Annual message ... to the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco

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Annual ltf e$£cicpe

OF

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO THE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF THE

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Eighth
Nineteen Thirty-Fc

REF

352,Sa52ma, 1934-44

San Francisco (Calif.).

Office of the Mayor

Annual message ... to

the Board of

Supervi sors

Annual Message

O F

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

■— i

TO TH E

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

O F TH E

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Eighth
Nineteen Thirty-Four

Letter of Mayor to Board of Supervisors.

MAYOR'S OFFICE
San Francisco

January 8, 1934.
To the Honorable The Board of Supervisors,
City Hall, San Francisco.
Gentlemen: There is before you my annual report of the municipal
affairs of the City and County of San Francisco. It seems to me fitting
at this time to comment in general terms upon the condition of our
body corporate and to make certain recommendations.

San Francisco has shared with every other community of the United
States and indeed with all the world, the stress and burden of an upset
such as modern times have never known before.

We were not among the first to feel the weight of this world-wide
depression, but we were prepared for it, and took, without delay, the
measures necessary. Warm-hearted San Francisco has learned by ex-
perience how to act in any emergency.

Local relief was quickly organized. When President Roosevelt started
his program of constructive rehabilitation, San Francisco was ready to
offer him a definite list of projects on which workers might be em-
ployed, with the result that this was one of the first big cities of the
country to take workers off relief rolls and place them on payrolls.

That our solvent status was understood in Washington became evident
when we made requests for financial cooperation which the Federal
Government promptly granted; undoubtedly, because it was understood
that we were in a position to meet our obligations. The National
Government has treated us with distinguished consideration.

San Francisco is on its way to recovery. San Francisco knows how
to travel the road that leads from adversity back to prosperity. It is
strong in a balanced municipal budget, in a low tax rate that has not
curtailed efficiency, and in a staff of public officials that combines in-
tegrity and business methods.

We have conserved the money of the taxpayer. We have guarded
against the temptation to be extravagant, and at the same time we have
been humane. Drastic as some of our municipal economies may seem,
they have not hurt the deserving public servant disproportionately to
the sacrifices of the average citizen.

To work for San Francisco means, among other things, to cultivate
understanding with many men and women whose temperaments may
seem to clash but whose deep sincerity is quickly understood. I relin-
quish, with regret, the cordial cooperation and constant friendship of
the members of your Honorable Board, whose official term of service to
San Francisco terminated this morning. They discharged their duties
with ability and with conscience. I know that they will continue their
unselfish devotion to all measures for the public good.

(3)

1 50333 SFPL: JRS
126 SFPL 09/26/03 167

My gratitude and appreciation must be expressed also to all other
individuals, to all the civic, the labor, the fraternal organizations that
devote themselves year in and year out to the work of making ours a
better and a happier city. I most respectfully ask for a continuance
of this cooperation.

Aside from those indicated in my annual report, there are certain
other recommendations that I would like to submit for your earnest
consideration. Our Municipal Railway system is on a sound financial
basis. It would be for the greater good of San Francisco if all the
trackage on our streets were under unified municipal operation. I ask
you to look forward with me — and to take such steps as are feasible
for the acquisition by the City and County of all the privately owned
street-car lines.

Let me recommend that every effort be made by your Honorable
Board toward local control of our harbor facilities. San Francisco
should own and manage its own harbor. The prestige which our port
is building up on the Pacific Ocean would be tremendously increased.
We are a maritime community; we should possess the title deeds to our
greatest asset, and we should possess the key to our own front door.

I sincerely hope that continued watchfulness over the finances of
the City will so improve our fiscal condition that while maintaining
a low tax rate, we will not be called upon again to recommend the
emergency payroll deductions that were regrettable, but necessary.

President Roosevelt has set us the example, by word and deed, of
the importance of cooperation in every function of government, empha-
sizing the American tradition that refuses to recognize distinction of
race, color or creed. I feel that our City has been marching step by
step with him in his progress toward betterment, and that we are im-
bued with his truly American spirit. I sincerely hope that there will
be the same sort of cooperation between your Honorable Board and
the executive office. No city can go forward unless all its officials put
civic duty foremost, and do not permit ambition, however proper, to
obscure their paramount obligations.

We are officers of no mean city. Falsified ideas of economy and
petty, political tactics have no place in our midst. Loyalty must be
our watchword and loyalty cannot exist without sincerity. There is
no invisible government in San Francisco. There cannot be, if we
watch and work and do not permit ourselves to be misled by designing
propaganda from individuals, groups or agencies, political or otherwise.

This City has fine standards and is conscious of an historical dignity
that must be maintained. It is the City of St. Francis and follows his
ideals of love, charity and human understanding. "A city that is set
upon a hill cannot be hid." This beloved City, set upon seven times
seven hills, cannot be hid from the good-will and the admiration of
the world, if we, its public servants, recognize and do our duty.

Respectfully,

ANGELO J. ROSSI,

Mayor.

(4)

Mayor's Annual Message

MAYOR'S OFFICE

San Francisco

January 8, 1934.
To the Honorable the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of
San Francisco.

Gentlemen: In accordance with the provisions of the Charter, relative
to the duties of the Mayor, I am transmitting to your Honorable Board
a general statement of the condition of the affairs of the City and
County of San Francisco, together with such recommendations as I
deem proper and expedient.

In my last message, dated January 9, 1933, I presented due thanks
to those who installed our Charter, which today celebrates the second
anniversary of its being. I am glad to state that all departments of
our city government have responded fully to its provisions, and that
our municipal machinery is readjusted to its mandates. The true
value of our Charter is becoming manifest and the benefits which fol-
low its operation are clearly indicated and widely appreciated.

Few of us will regret the passing of the year nineteen hundred and
thirty-three, with its problems and perplexities, which spared neither
rich nor poor. It was a period of uncertainty and gloom, not only
for San Franciscans, but also for every American citizen, and, indeed,
everyone living. It marked the culmination of a depression unexampled
in history.

In taking stock of our standing as a municipality, however, we see
much for which to give thanks to the Almighty. San Francisco has
weathered the storm better than any American city of first rank. It
was my privilege, on September twenty-second, before the United
States Conference of Mayors at Chicago, to make one of the principal
addresses. I outlined, in brief, the conditions which have arisen in
our municipality since eighteen hundred and fifty, the several Char-
ters under which we were governed, the present fiscal solvency of our
City, and the status of our bonds in the investment markets. On my
return, I received hundreds of communications from city and county
officials, research bureaus, and university professors, asking informa-
tion as to our government and how it functions so admirably to our
corporate benefit. I am filled with thankfulness that our beloved City
has attained such eminence as a thrifty, well-admiuistered com-
munity.

Appointments.

During the past year, in compliance with the Charter, it has been
my duty to make several appointments to those commissions dele-
gated to my authority. I have used the utmost care and diligence in
these selections, seeking the highest integrity and the greatest quali-
fications in every case. My appointees numbered nineteen, thirteen of
whom serve without remuneration. The service already given by these
new officials has been such as to merit my sincere thanks and high
commendation.

(5)

Radio Broadcasts.

We are in the 40th week of a series of N. B. C. broadcasts from the
Mayor's office, during which various departments of our city govern-
ment, through their chiefs, have brought to the listeners the machinery
of our local government. We are deeply indebted to Don Gilman, vice-
president of the N. B. C, for the time and facilities so generously ren-
dered. Due to the broadcasts, thousands of indications have been
received as to the interest the public takes in this subject, which is
broadcast for the first time by an American mayor from our execu-
tive department.

Relief.

Since July 1, 1933, the beginning of the present fiscal year, many
changes have taken place in San Francisco's relief program. The Fed-
eral Emergency Relief Administration, realizing the inadequacy of
State and municipal revenues to meet conditions, gave outright one-
third of the sum needed to meet relief demands, on the understanding
that State and local governments should appropriate the other two-
thirds. In San Francisco, the national contribution was matched,
dollar for dollar, out of City funds, and the State, from its $20,000,000
relief bonds, advances a similar amount as a loan, which must be
repaid from the State gas tax allotment, in instalments, beginning in
1938.

Under the federal rule, one of the regulations was to eliminate pri-
vate relief agencies. In San Francisco, however, the Federal Govern-
ment accepted the Citizens' Relief Committee, headed by the Hon. M. C.
Sloss, which I had appointed in 1932 and which has rendered distin-
guished services. In few cities in the nation did the government thus
accept as a whole a relief committee of local appointment. The develop-
ment of the C. W. A. program followed. Fortunately, San Francisco
was prepared. We were ready to present definite projects acceptable
to the C. W. A. In November, Federal Relief Administrator Harry
Hopkins invited me to a conference of mayors in Washington, asking
the attendance also of Chief Administrative Officer Cleary, Director of
Relief Wollenberg, and Manager of Public Utilities Cahill. Mr. Hop-
kins outlined to us the C. W. A. program, which had received the
approval of President Roosevelt. Thereupon, the President called the
representatives of various cities together and impressed upon us all
the importance of cooperation to the end that his plans might be car-
ried out with success. San Francisco's allocation, as developed at this
meeting, called for the employment of some 16,000 persons. Our part
of the program was put into effect without delay. There are at pres-
ent some 20,000 men and women at work in San Francisco on various
public projects, earning $72,000 per working day from federal funds.
The result is that the load of our local relief has been lightened. On
the first of July there were 12,907 heads of families on relief. Today
there are 4265 heads of families on relief. The total expenditures for
the six months, during which the new relief set-up has lasted, were
$2,978,944.18. The City still has $1,050,000 available in relief bond funds.
The State is expected to match this with an equal amount, under terms
already explained. The federal contribution has been diverted to the
C. W. A. program. All of those who have gone to work in San Fran-
cisco under the federal plan have been selected by the Federal Relief
Committee and the State Free Employment Bureau. The hope ex-
pressed to you, in my message, last year, "one gainfully employed per-
son in each family," is thus being realized.

We entered the present fiscal year with a reduction of 162 municipal
(6)

positions compared with the fiscal year preceding, the net payroll
reduction being $364,239. In addition, there has been a further reduc-
tion in municipal employment, due to death, retirement and resigna-
tions, of 128 positions, representing a decrease in the payroll of $21,340
a month. There have been occasional temporary appointments to some
of these last-mentioned positions.

Loan and grant projects submitted to the Federal Government are
for the improvement of San Francisco's water supply in and outside
of the City, $12,095,000; the raising of O'Shaughnessy Dam, with the
development of increased hydro-electric energy, $3,500,000; extension
of the high-pressure system, $2,000,000; extension and improvement of
our sewer system, $2,025,000; and development of the San Francisco
Airport, $260,000. Due to the fact that the best interest rate offered
by private bankers for these bonds was 6 per cent, I went to Wash-
ington in December, accompanied by City Attorney O'Toole, Controller
Leavy, and Supervisor Havenner of the State Advisory Board, P. W. A.,
at the request of Secretary Ickes, and made representations to the
National Government, with the result that in addition to the 30 per
cent of the cost of labor and materials which had been promised us
originally, we are to borrow the entire amounts for the water develop-
ment, the sewer, and airport projects from the National Government
at 4 per cent, saving several million dollars in interest throughout the
life of the bonds.

Funds of the P. W. A. are fully allocated in Washington, and I am
exceedingly happy to report to your Honorable Board that I have been
advised this morning, though unofficially I feel authentically, that San
Francisco has been allowed by the Federal Government a loan and
grant amounting to $18,480,000 for municipal public works projects.

Federal Projects.

After several delays, due to expiration of the original contract and
re-allocation of funds for the purpose, I am pleased to report that con-
struction of the Federal Office Building in our Civic Center, according
to latest reports, will be under way within ten days. The Treasury
Department has awarded the contract, in the amount of $2,513,000. The
work is to be completed in six hundred and eighty calendar days from
the start. Thanks are due the members of our Congressional delega-
tion, and to local civic organizations, for their constant efforts to get
this project started. It will be the means of further relief of our
unemployment situation. The addition to the San Francisco Post-
Office building nears completion, at a cost of $750,000. It has been in
course of erection for nearly a year, enabling a large and timely wage
production.

The City and County of San Francisco participated largely in the
acquisition of lands for the Sunnyvale Naval Air Base, Santa Clara
county, and Hamilton Field Army Bombing Base in Marin county, both
completed in 1933.

Bay Bridges.

Two of the world's greatest engineering undertakings, the Golden
Gate and the San Francisco-East Bay bridges, representing a total
outlay approximating one hundred and twenty-five millions, have begun
construction since my last message. Work started July 9th on the
San Francisco-East Bay Bridge. One underwater pier is completed;
the San Francisco cable anchorage is one-third complete; four caissons

(7)

for deep-water piers are landed on the bay bottom, one at one hundred
and six feet, the world's record for depth. Six other piers, by coffer
dam method, are in various stages of construction. Fabrication of
steel is progressing and towers will appear on the bay skyline shortly.
January, 1937, will see the structure finished, the engineers state con-
fidently.

As to the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Tower has been completed
to a height approximating the bridge floor — about 240 feet. The first
panel of bracing, between the tower legs, has been placed. Nearly
6100 tons of steel have been erected to date. The first stages of the
north and south anchorages are complete and the pylons are rising
rapidly. January 1, 1937, is the date set for final completion, allowing
amply for delays.

Controller.

The source of the City's financial policy, management and control is
the Controller's office. To Controller Leonard S. Leavy and his staff
can be attributed, in no small degree, the credit for the excellent fiscal
condition of San Francisco, which is primarily the result of his energy,
ability and efficiency in protecting the City's interests.

The fiscal year 1932-33 offered a very definite financial problem. The
revenues from sources other than taxes decreased 4.4 per cent, and
taxes were delinquent 5.37 per cent. In order to operate a cash basis,
it was necessary to organize a well-defined financial program to effect
necessary curtailment without either impairment of service or inter-
ference with the necessities of government. This program eliminated
expenditures for other than essentials, kept expenditures within the
limitations of monthly revisions of estimated revenues, and carefully
controlled appropriation allotments.

The Controller shows unencumbered balances in the current funds
of approximately $2,800,000 and an unappropriated balance of funds of
approximately $2,198,000. Included therein is a cash reserve fund
created by Charter amendment, which has resources totaling $1,195,000.
These resources, when realized, will form the basis for loans based
upon estimated revenues.

The revenue situation of 1933-34 presents an immediate problem.
The Controller has addressed letters to all departments asking for
their proposed expenditures for the ensuing six months. This is laying
the foundation for the necessary curtailment program so that the City
may maintain its excellent credit position, and I recommend to your
Board that, in considering the next tax levy, ample provision be made
therein for delinquency so that this condition need not necessarily
be a recurring one each year. During the period under review there
was a continuance of system revisions and installations in order to
carry out the Charter provisions for a centralized and adequate ac-
counting system. The general ledgers were revised and segregated
according to general City and County accounts and those for public
service enterprises. A new chart of accounts, therefore, was created,
eliminating other than the essential detail and simplifying the struc-
tures generally.

Modern systems were installed, and the underlying detail was veri-
fied in connection with the following operations: County Clerk's Spe-
cial Fund; Municipal Court Special Fund; Municipal Court Bail Bond
Fund; Tax Redemption Records; and Delinquent Tax Records.

Aside from our ability to bond for self-liquidating projects, our pres-
ent borrowing capacity is $56,000,000.

(8)

The value of an executive budget as provided for by the Charter is
shown, by the following figures:

Net Budget:

1931-1932 $41,459,418

1932-1933 39,110,402

1933-1934 33,826,472

Decrease, 1931 to 1934 7,632,946

The fiscal year 1933-34 brought to San Francisco a reduction of 56
cents in its tax rate. This result has focused the attention of every
city in the country on our sound municipal status, to say nothing of
the relief it gave to our taxpayers, thousands of whom have recently
suffered losses in rental income and earning capacity. A recent eastern
survey shows that San F'rancisco has the lowest tax rate, by a wide
margin, of the thirteen cities of the United States with a population
of 500,000 or over. Our tax delinquency yields equally satisfactory
evidence of our sound position. It is 5.37 per cent, the lowest in the
country. In a list of 20 large cities, the tax delinquencies of all but
San Francisco run from 11 per cent to 421/£ per cent. In other words,
San Francisco's tax delinquency is 50 per cent lower than the lowest
of the other nineteen. It will continue to be a paramount policy of
my administration to keep down the taxpayer's burden, using every
effort thereto by effecting economies consistent with business methods
and no impairment of efficiency.

City Attorney.

During 1933, there were eighty-four actions commenced against the
City in the Superior Court and forty-six actions in the Municipal Court.
The number of actions wherein the City was a party plaintiff was four.
This is far less than in any previous year and is due to the fact that
few actions in condemnation were brought.

In addition to the above-mentioned actions brought against the City,
ten have been brought in the counties of San Joaquin and Stanislaus
which involve the City's water rights on the Tuolumne River. These
involve every phase of water litigation and are being vigorously
defended by the City Attorney. These claims go to the very foundation
of the rights of the City to store and to take the waters of the Tuolumne
River and tributaries. The first of these actions to be tried is Meridian,
Ltd. v. City and County of San Francisco, which has been set for trial
for February 5, 1934, in the Superior Court of Stanislaus county. It
is estimated that this case will consume approximately forty trial days
and it is anticipated that the other cases will be tried immediately
following the Meridian case.

In addition to the litigation pending in the various courts of the
State, the City has been a party to a gas rate hearing before the
Railroad Commission, which involved the charges for natural gas by
the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. This office, through its attor-
neys and engineers, presented a case on behalf of the people of San
Francisco. The hearing was recently concluded with the result of a
reduction in rates of approximately 13 per cent to the gas consumers
in San Francisco. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company has now
carried this litigation to the United States court and under the direc-
tion of the Board of Supervisors, the City Attorney is representing the
City as well as the gas consumers in San Francisco in this litigation.
Of the cases above mentioned, 44 involved the Municipal Railway.

( 9 )

San Francisco is fortunate in having John J. O'Toole as its official
legal adviser. Deeply versed in municipal law, Mr. O'Toole has con-
tributed in a most important way to the effectiveness of the Charter
by his constructive interpretations. The City's legal affairs are safe
in the hands of Mr. O'Toole and his capable associates.

Municipal Courts.

In the operation of twelve municipal courts, 14,058 civil actions were
brought and 5213 small claim actions — a total of 19,271. In the crimi-
nal department, 76,794 proceedings were filed.

Expenditures total $188,748.05 and receipts $160,696.35, being an
excess of expenditures over receipts of $28,051.70, as against an excess
in 1932 of $1,558 in receipts over expenditures. The discrepancy is
accounted for by depression in business. I am fully satisfied with the
intelligent and efficient manner in which the duties of all connected
with this department have been discharged.

Public Defender's Office.

In line with the administration's policy of economy, Public Defender
Gerald J. Kenny has handled the duties of his office with two deputies
and a stenographer. Persons who received legal advice in civil matters
numbered 2675. The total number of cases handled in all courts was
1471, with a total of 3243 appearances. In the Superior Courts, 520
cases were handled and 470 closed. In Municipal Courts, 805 felony
cases and 81 misdemeanor cases received assistance of the Public
Defender, who also represented defendants in 42 cases in the Juvenile
Court. From my observation of the manner in which the work of this
department is being carried on, with a reduction of 45 per cent in
expense, compared with the cost during the fiscal year 1932-1933, I
believe its affairs have received painstaking and intelligent attention.

Police Department.

Conditions in San Francisco's Police Department during the past
year, in spite of hardship, suffering and unemployment in our midst,
did not result in any increase in crime. On the contrary, greatly due
to the vigilance of our police force, crime has been curbed to normal.
Number of arrests for the fiscal year 1932-33 is 63,933 as compared with
69,817 for the fiscal year 1931-32. The decrease of approximately 6000
in arrests, especially during these trying times, is a tribute to law
observance among our citizens. It is gratifying to note the following
statistics: burglary arrests, 1932-1933, a total of 626, as against a total
of 77C for fiscal year of 1931-1932; robbery arrests, 1932-1933, a total of
315, as against a total of 415 for the fiscal year 1931-1932. Murders,
year 1932-1933, were 20 compared with the previous fiscal year, 40. The
decrease of 50 per cent is to be noted with favor. Total value of prop-
erty lost by crime during the past fiscal year was $336,089.20, compared
with that of the previous fiscal year, $572,556.65. More intensive efforts
than ever before have been successful in reducing automobile fatalities
and accidents. The department, through official recognition of the
necessity of modern means and methods, such as radio and teletype,
is fully equipped and up-to-date, and it is recognized today as being
second to none in the United States. This status reflects credit upon
the Police Commission, Chief Wm. J. Quinn and the forces under his
authority. It has kept our City free from gangsterism, racketeering

( 10 )

and kidnaping, and protected our citizens and their homes from the
menace of criminals, both organized and unorganized.

Fire Department.

During the past year the Fire Department has maintained its usual
record of efficiency, which has resulted in keeping down the fire losses
to a minimum. Due to increased efforts in fire prevention activities,
there has been a reduction in the number of alarms responded to, which
were 7156 as against 7486 the previous year, a decrease of 330. Strin-
gent economy has been practiced in all branches of the department.
The personnel was reduced to the lowest possible number consistent
with efficiency and the safeguarding of life and property. The exten-
sions of the auxiliary high-pressure system under the P. W. A. pro-
gram, for which a bond issue of $2,000,000 was authorized in November,
will be installed as quickly as possible after the bonds are disposed of.
This added protection, it is hoped, will result in a material reduction
of insurance rates. It is with pride that I review the activities of this
department under the able leadership of the Fire Commission and
Chief Engineer Charles J. Brennan.

Civil Service.

I am in favor of strict civil service regulations and I am happy to
say that civil service has been strengthened and rigidly enforced. The
Commission was confronted with the necessity of making many new
rules and modifying others. This laborious task has been performed
with judgment and discretion, and the Commission and its subordi-
nates deserve credit, accordingly.

Twice every year the Commission submits data to the Board of Super-
visors for the purpose of fixing wage scales to be paid on work per-
formed under contract for the City and County. As a result of its
recommendations, San Francisco on January 1, 1933, became the first
municipality in the United States to put into effect a thirty-hour week
on municipal contract projects. This policy is now in effect on all
projects financed by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, the Civil
Works Administration and the Public Works Administration.

Board of Education.

In my annual message of January, 1932, I called attention to lack of
harmony and of effective cooperation in the School Department, point-
ing out the deterrent effect upon morale. I returned to this subject
in my message of last January, mentioning also that the Grand Jury
had made some very drastic recommendations to the Board of Educa-
tion. Meanwhile, I had addressed a communication to the Board of
Education, calling attention to the serious conditions criticized by the
Grand Jury, and asking that the report be given the most careful
consideration. In this letter I said: "After such study, which should
carry with it a most detailed investigation as to the various charges
and recommendations contained in the report, without prejudice or
undue consideration to biased critics, I trust that you will take proper
action to correct such abuses, if any exist, and to place the responsi-
bility for such."

September 12, 1933, Superintendent Joseph Marr Gwinn expressed
formally to the Board of Education his willingness to retire from the
School Department, giving his reasons therefor. The presidents of the

(11)

Universities of California and Stanford were requested to submit a list
of names of educators who, in their judgment, were qualified for the
position. The only other condition that I insisted on was that the
Superintendent finally chosen should be a resident of California, prefer-
ably of San Francisco, if consistent with the proper solution of our
problem. The result was the selection as Superintendent of Schools,
by unanimous vote of the Board of Education, of Dr. Edwin A. Lee of
the Educational Department of the University of California, a native
of this State. I have every confidence in the future of the department.
The unhappy conditions that arose did not affect the work of the class-
room, which has been maintained at high standards. I look for har-
monious cooperation with the new Superintendent on the part of every
man and woman having to do with the public schools, in order to keep
our Educational Department on the highest plane.

The recent success of the bond issue for schools indicates how
responsive our citizens are to the needs of this department. Three
million dollars were voted for new school contruction, the replacement
of obsolete schools, and the rehabilitation of certain others. Within
a short time the definite program will be formulated, and I am confi-
dent that the bonds will be sold on advantageous terms. Funds were
made available for the examination of school buildings to the end that
they might be made fireproof and otherwise safe, a most important
precaution.

The general offices of the department, widely separated in four loca-
tions, have been consolidated on the third and fourth floors of the
Civic Auditorium, resulting in increased efficiency and reduction of
overhead costs.

Non-Resident Employees.

The statement has been made repeatedly that many City employees
resided outside our corporate boundaries. Due investigation has been
given in each case and every possible effort has been made to correct
evasions of Charter provisions in this respect. Today there are well
under 100 employees, principally in the Water Department, who are
legal residents here, but the location of whose work necessitates their
residence elsewhere. Besides these, less than a dozen of others possess
certificates of the Health Officer reciting health conditions of the em-
ployee or members of his family, necessitating temporary outside resi-
dence. There are 134 members of the School Department living out-
side of San Francisco. All of these maintained such residence prior to
1926, as authorized by rules of the then existing Board of Education.
Many had acquired ownership of property. Most have but few years'
further service before retirement. It is manifestly unjust to force a
change of residence with its attendant financial losses, in view of the
fact that this will automatically shortly correct itself. The City Attor-
ney ruled that regulations of the Board must be uniform in this con-
nection. It has been the rule of the department since 1920 that every
new employee after that date must be a resident of San Francisco, and
such is the case.

Employees' Retirement System.

The Retirement System included 11,131 employees, June 30, 1933.
During the fiscal year ending on that date, 169 members were retired
because of age or disability, and 117 members died. Many of the posi-
tions thus vacated were not filled. On June 30, 1933, there were 1444
persons receiving allowances under the Retirement System, this num-

( 12 )

ber including aged and disabled members retired from miscellaneous
departments and also retired firemen and policemen, and their widows
where death resulted from performance of duty. On July 1, 1932, the
administration of the State Compensation Insurance Law, as it affects
all City employees, was centralized under the Retirement Board in
accordance with the new Charter, instead of being handled by the
various departments in which injured persons are employed. Reports
of all injuries among approximately 10,500 are made to the Retirement
office, claims are adjusted and benefits paid in accordance with the
State Law and Charter, the City and County acting as self-insurer.
The Compensation Insurance risk, connected with the Hetch Hetchy
employees outside the City and County and park employees, is insured
in the State fund at the present time. During the fiscal year 1932-33,
363 compensation cases were handled under which either weekly bene-
fits or medical benefits were paid. Approximately 500 additional cases
were handled which were not of sufficient severity to qualify for com-
pensation benefits of any kind. During the year 1933, the Retirement
System invested, in round figures, $397,000 in San Francisco bonds.
The investments of the Retirement fund at December 31, 1933, totaled
$13,484,000. The Retirement System is most ably administered.

Assessor's Office.

Assessor Wolden indicates a total assessed valuation of real and per-
sonal property in the City and County of San Francisco for 1933 of
$974,435,243, as compared with $1,049,386,276, for the previous year,
a decrease of $74,951,033. Since 1930, nearly all of the 165,000 parcels
of land and 125,000 buildings have been reappraised downward. In
1933, approximately 60,000 buildings and 20,000 parcels of land re-
ceived such reappraisement, resulting in reductions of $22,029,700 and
$6,055,170, respectively. Mr. Wolden has displayed a deep under-
standing of the duties of his office in meeting this emergency, and I
believe that taxpayers generally consider his reappraisals of their
holdings just and equitable.

Sheriff.

The activities of Sheriff W. J. Fitzgerald's office, covering business
to October 1, 1933, indicates that 28,655 processes were served by his
deputies; 248 actions were held. Eviction cases, 658, numbered 233'
less than in the calendar year 1932. There were transported to State
institutions, 1056 persons. Cost of subsistence and maintenance per
prisoner has been reduced three and one-half cents per diem in 1933,
and is now $.2201. A good record.

New County Jail.

The new County Jail in San Mateo county comprises two main
buildings. Exterior walls of both are completed. Construction work
for equipment of the interior is progressing rapidly. The present
estimate is that both buildings will be ready for occupancy about
April 1, 1934. This is, in my opinion, a most satisfactory showing and
worthy of commendation.

Public Utilities Commission.

Under the able direction of the Public Utilities Commission, Edward
G. Cahill, manager of utilities, and the staff, the City's public service
enterprises have forged steadily ahead. Despite hardships imposed by

(13 )

prevailing economic conditions, the new year finds our $140,000,000
investment in the soundest financial condition in its history. The ad-
vantages in economy and service of the central control of utilities,
provided in our new Charter, have been tangibly demonstrated and
we may look forward with optimism to the future of these enterprises.
During the year definite economies in operating costs have been made
effective, not only without sacrificing essential public service, but with
actual improvement of that service.

Municipal Railway.

The effects of reorganization have been shown in the financial and
operating reports with the result that the Municipal Railway, for the
first time during the period of depression, is definitely out of the "red."
During the six months' period, July 1 to December 31, 1933, the net
income has been over $60,000 as against a deficit of $180,000 for the
same period last year, representing a better operating condition of
$240,000 for the period. This improvement has been due mainly to
economies. No reduction of the high standard of maintenance has
been made. On the contrary, large sections of track have been recon-
structed. Increased service has been given to the densely populated
section of the Park-Presidio district west of Tenth avenue and two
new modern buses have been purchased to improve the crosstown bus
line on Tenth avenue. On August 30, 1933, the Municipal Railway
subscribed to the President's code as agreed to by the American Tran-
sit Association, although it was already operating on that basis. The
five-cent fare has never been increased, thereby maintaining the nickel
as the universal fare, with transfer privileges, and thus saving to the
people of San Francisco approximately eight million dollars yearly,
compared with the average street car fare elsewhere.

Business conditions have shown a decided improvement during the
last two months and this has been reflected in the Municipal Railway,
so that instead of the downward trend during the last three years we
are now beginning to show an increase in passengers and revenue.
Over 71 million passengers were carried during the year. Bonds have
been regularly redeemed so that the Municipal Railway now has out-
standing only $2,001,000 of an original issue of $5,481,000, against a
property conservatively valued at $12,000,000.

Water Department.

The Water Department has carried on most satisfactorily. Water
now in storage is approximately 20 billion gallons. Completion of the
Hetch Hetchy aqueduct, this spring, assures us a bounteous supply
even were we to suffer repetition of the driest year of record. The
average water consumption of the system amounted to 49,117,000
gallons per day as compared with the average of 50,454,000 in 1932.
This decrease in consumption has been reflected in a decrease of
$130,252 in revenue. This has been more than offset by lowered ex-
penses, so that the net income for the first eleven months of 1933
shows an increase of $91,592 over the like period in 1932. The financial
results of operation during less than four years of municipal owner-
ship should be gratifying to our people. During this period it has
shown a gross revenue from all sources of $24,754,012, with operating
expenses totaling $15,677,158. This leaves a net income during that
period of $9,076,854, which has been applied as follows: Transferred
to the General Fund— $1,456,587; for redemption of bonds— $3,416,667;
for improvements to the system — $3,280,197; transferred to surplus —
$903,403; other appropriations— $20,000.

( 14 )

This $9,076,854 represents the total amount which the City has
.profited during these four years through the purchase and operation of
its water system, for it should be pointed out that the department has
furnished free water to other departments of the City equal in value
to the amount of taxes previously paid by the private company. On
November 7, 1933, the people voted a bond issue of $12,095,000 for
construction of additions and betterments necessary to provide for the
increased delivery of water from the west portal of the Hetch Hetchy
aqueduct to the Crystal Springs reservoir; for construction of an
additional pipe line from Crystal Springs reservoir to San Francisco;
to provide increased storage within San Francisco at University
Mound and in the Sunset district; and for enlargement of the dis-
tributing system to improve service and provide more adequate fire
protection to every district of the City. ' The sale of these bonds for
construction of the necessary improvements will obviate for several
years the necessity of providing for major extensions out of revenues
of the department. In view of this, the Public Utilities Commission
has officially stated that it will recommend a reduction of water rates
of approximately 10 per cent, to be effective shortly after the begin-
ning of the next fiscal year. This will be the first reduction in water
rates that the people have enjoyed in over 30 years. It will save the
rate payers more than $700,000 annually and will attract new indus-
tries and payrolls.

Hetch Hetchy Construction.

During the year, Hetch Hetchy construction has made marked prog-
ress and it is safe to say that, within the next few months, mountain
water will be flowing into San Francisco. The largest unit of work
has been the construction of the aqueduct tunnel through the Coast
Range mountains. This work is done by the Commission itself under con-
tract. Their bid price was more than half a million dollars lower
than the next lowest contractor's bid, and the work is being done at a
cost so much lower than the bid price that the total saving will be
$1,000,000.

The miners completed on January 5 the excavation of this 28 y2 -mile
tunnel, the longest bore ever undertaken, and the greatest credit is
due to all concerned for their perseverance and skill in surmounting
unparalleled physical difficulties. During the year, two miles of tunnel
were excavated, and 13 miles lined with concrete. Less than five
miles of lining remain to complete this tunnel and the entire aqueduct.
During the year steel and concrete pipe lines of permanent character
have been built to complete other units. The water from Hetch Hetchy
and Lake Eleanor reservoirs has been brought 97 miles from
O'Shaughnessy Dam to Tesla Portal, the beginning of this tunnel, and
stands ready for transmission to San Francisco. The completion of
the Hetch Hetchy aqueduct will provide San Francisco with a water
supply ample for many years to come, and of a quality for purity and
softness that will be difficult to rival. The system is well planned and
substantially built and San Francisco may be proud of her achieve-
ment.

Hetch Hetchy Power.

The City's hydroelectric plants at Moccasin and at Early Intake have
continued to operate profitably during the year. They have pro-
duced since 1925, power in the total of $18,370,000. The net income
derived from these plants during the past calendar year, after deduct-
ing operating expenses and taxes, amounts to approximately $1,850,000.

(15)

On account of the fact that we received plentiful early fall rains, the
mountain reservoirs are much fuller than we expected when setting
up our budget expectations of revenue. We will, therefore, be able
to operate the power plants at Early Intake and Moccasin for at least
one full month longer than we anticipated, thereby increasing the
revenues from power sales by a minimum of $180,000 from the above
budget expectation of revenue.

At the Moccasin plant a modern sewage disposal system is now under
construction, down stream from the Moccasin reservoir, safeguarding
the purity of the City's water supply. The Early Intake power plant,
originally constructed as a temporary power supply for construction
purposes, has been in operation since May, 1918. During this period,
in addition to the power which it has supplied for construction pur-
3, it has brought the City a cash revenue of more than $700,000.

Work is now under way for installation of a pipe line from the tail-
race of the Early Intake plant to the main aqueduct tunnel which will
permit the water after passing through the Early Intake plant to be
run through the Moccasin power plant also. The additional revenue
to be derived will be approximately $85,000 per annum. This sum is
practically the cost of the project, or, in other words, the investment
will be recovered in one year of operation. The work will be com-
pleted early this year. In the recent bond election, the sum of $3,500,-
000 was authorized to increase the height of O'Shaughnessy Dam by 85
feet. This will add about 70 per cent to the capacity of the Hetch
Hetchy reservoir and will guarantee, except under an extraordinary
series of dry year, year-round operation of the Moccasin plant at full
capacity with an increased annual revenue estimated at $225,000.

Another distinct advantage is the possibility of regulating the flow
of the Tuolumne river during the dry season, a condition which should
greatly improve the position of the City in its dealings witht the irriga-
tion districts. Plans for this improvement are being prepared and con-
struction will start as soon as funds are available.

Street and Public Building Lighting.

Under the new Charter, this department has been placed in charge
of the Public Utilities Commission. At present there are approxi-
mately 17,500 street lights in service at an average daily cost of
$1,950. During the last fiscal year, the cost of street lighting has been
cut from $865,000 to $780,000. A comprehensive system of records is
being installed and a careful survey of lighting both of streets and of
public buildings is underway.

The public building lighting at present comprises a little over 1000
services for gas and electricity. From time to time recommendations
are made to various departments for changes or combinations which
would tend to reduce the cost of the service. During the past year
actual rebates totaling $2,000 have been received and recommendations
have been made which, if put into effect, will bring about an annual
saving of approximately $10,000. Lighting of public buildings is cost-
ing us less than ever before.

San Francisco Airport.

Admirable progress has been shown by San Francisco's newest
utility, the San Francisco Airport. A year ago, I reported to you that
one major air transport line was operating, and that had been recently
acquired.

( 1G )

Today, five transport services are based at San Francisco Airport
and San Franciscans may utilize every air service operating in North-
ern California from this air terminal. Air passenger, air mail and
air express service to all points, north, south and east is now at the
City's door. Transport planes arrive and depart from the field fifty-
eight times daily. In addition, the airport has thirty-one regular
tenants, several flying schools and a large transient business. To
accommodate this great increase in business, extensive improvements
have been made. The administration building has been enlarged,
runways improved, sewage and lighting systems rebuilt. The airport
now has complete radio and meteorological equipment, and air mail
postofnce and other necessary facilities for safe and convenient flying.
Citizens of San Francisco showed their wisdom on November 7 by
voting overwhelmingly for a $260,000 bond issue to extend the East-
West runway. Completion of this improvement will assure a good
rating from the United States Department of Commerce.

Increase in business, accompanied by economies in operation have
made it possible to decrease the unavoidable losses on this essential
and fast-growing public service by $66,000 a year. We may look for-
ward to greater development in order to keep pace with the inevitable
increase in air transport operation.

Office of the Treasurer.

This department is the fiscal agency of San Francisco. Its business
is transacted under the provisions of the Public Deposit Act of the
State of California. It handled, during the fiscal year, $147,048,644.50.
Interest earned on the deposit of public funds in banks amounted to
$354,685.43, a saving in the tax rate of about five cents. Municipal
bonds redeemed, $4,792,700. Coupons paid, $7,532,405.50. Number of
demands handled from December 1, 1932, to November 31, 1933,
430,720. Number of emergency relief demands handled from March
1, 1933, to November 31, 1933, 599,869. Tax anticipation notes were
issued in the aggregate amount of $3,150,000 at the extremely low
average rate of 1.6 per cent. These notes were due and payable
December 20, 1933, and all were redeemed on that date. The office
collects inheritance tax for the State of California and an average of
1800 safe deposit boxes per year are examined and contents listed
for report to the State. The Treasurer also collects the assessments
and pays bond interest and redemption for the Islais Creek Reclama-
tion district, which is located wholly within the City and County.
The National City Bank of New York is the fiscal agent of the City
and County of San Francisco and pays two per cent interest on cash
balances. This bank pays on presentation bond interest and redemp-
tion. Captain Duncan Matheson and his efficient staff deserve high
commendation on the conduct of this office. With a staff of thirteen,
his total annual expense, under the present budget, is $41,072. This
record stands for itself.

Parks.

One of our most valuable civic assets, as widely known and almost
as famous as the Golden Gate itself, is our Golden Gate Park. The
story of its creation, from what at one time was nothing but a barren
waste of shifting sand dunes, is a tale possessed of enough poetic and
dramatic value to inspire anyone. Less well known is the story,
equally worth telling, of its plants, now numbering over 4000 species
and varieties, originating in many diverse corners of the earth, all

( 17 ^

playing a more or less important role in the making of our park, and
today serving to constitute this as one of the nation's real botanic
gardens. The successful combination of this heterogenous mass of
plant material into a harmonious picture is a living testimonial to
the vision and skill of John McLaren, Superintendent of Parks, and
"Grand Old Man" of horticulture — not only of California, but also the
entire Pacific slope. During the past year the modernization of the
roads was successfully started and to date this work has been carried
out from the Fell street entrance almost to Thirteenth avenue. Res-
toration of the rotunda of the Palace of Fine Arts is progressing satis-
factorily and it is my hope that the entire task of rehabilitation will
be completed in the coming fiscal year. The monumental tower on
Telegraph Hill, the generous bequest of that public-spirited and well-
known San Franciscan, Lillie Hitchcock Coit, is now completed and
only awaits the decoration of the interior to be thrown open to the
public. Telegraph Hill is receiving a coat of greenery that will prop-
erly set forth the beauty and dignity of the tower that crowns its
crest. The Recreation Pier at Aquatic Park has been completed. It is
hoped that with Federal aid this recreation area will be made safe and
usable within the coming year. The work of the relocation of the
ferry slips is well under way and will be finished before spring, thus
making a safe enclosed harbor for swimming and rowing for the
people of San Francisco. Our three municipal golf courses have added
countless hours of healthful recreation for our citizens, and at a very
nominal cost.

As the hours of labor are shortened and San Franciscans find more
time for leisure and recreation, I earnestly recommend the park sys-
tem's facilities for healthful and varied recreation of entire family
groups.

Recreation Department.

The Recreation Commission has just completed 27 years of super-
vised recreation and building dependable future citizens. Eighty
different activities are conducted on the recreational areas, and include
varied interests for all ages. The Recreation Department has juris-
diction over 72 recreation units: 31 playgrounds, two open-air swim-
ming pools, 20 schoolyard playgrounds, eight gymnasiums, one camp,
one center for unemployed and general activities, one dramatic studio,
eight playground sites. The total acreage is 250.9. The playground,
swimming and camp attendance for the fiscal year 1932-1933 was
5,761,225. This represents an increase of 15 per cent or 799,000 over
the previous year, 1931-1932. New playground areas in 1933 are: the
Visitacion Valley playground which was dedicated in October; the Odd
Fellows' Cemetery site, comprising 6.24 acres, purchased on July 19;
G.<;7 acres of beach property, fronting San Francisco bay at Griffith
street, purchased on October 18; use of the school lot at Ninth avenue
and Ortega street, granted by the Board of Education in December.

Mrs. Sigmund Stern, her associates and the employees, merit thanks
for their valuable services.

Board of Permit Appeals.

The appeals that have come before this board for decision are
appeals from the decisions of the Chief of Police, the Chief of the Fire
Department, Director of Health, Director of Works, and Art Com-
mission.

(18)

The Board of Permit Appeals is the court of last resort for permits,
and much controversy is encountered among the property owners and
merchants in the particular neighborhood in which the permit is
involved. The board has given much time and attention to investi-
gating these appeals and has endeavored to satisfy, as far as possible,
the parties concerned, and at the same time keep within the law. It
has acted on 125 appeals to this date. The commissioners and the
secretary deserve credit on their work, which entails many hours of
service in the inspection of various premises involving permits, besides
attendance at weekly hearings.

City Planning Commission.

The City Planning Commission has been very active during the past
year on the Master Plan for the City and County of San Francisco.
This entailed a great amount of work on the part of the commissioners,
and its engineering force. Particular attention was given to the boule-
vard approaches and to both the San Francisco-Oakland Bay bridge
and the Golden Gate bridge, and this study was instrumental in pro-
viding a necessary additional approach to the Golden Gate bridge.
The passage by the Board of Supervisors of an ordinance controlling
the height of buildings in the northern part of the City is the result of
a request of the City Planning Commission to protect the entire dis-
trict and to conserve property values. Constant demand to rezone
certain portions of the boulevard system is being made. These re-
quests are very thoroughly investigated by the commission, as in
many cases rezoning would greatly impair the efficiency of the
boulevards.

War Memorial Trustees.

The first full year of operation of the War Memorial buildings,
the latest department of the municipal adiministration, closes with
much credit to the Board of Trustees and its subordinates. The War
Memorial comprises the new Opera House and the Veterans' Building
adjoining, and the court and gardens between and surrounding these
buildings. During the past year a memorable grand opera season,
during which fifteen lavish productions drew capacity crowds, brought
fame to San Francisco. Over thirty symphony concerts, five under
the direct management of the City; several special concerts for young
people, by the orchestra; and at least two score of artist recitals fur-
ther spread our fame as a music center. The Veterans' Building,
solely occupied for veterans' activties, housed over 3000 meetings
during the year. It is the headquarters for every veterans' organiza-
tion in the City; and, as an evidence of its importance, in one month
during the year, 65,000 people entered its portals. San Francisco is
deeply proud of this tribute to her veterans.

Art Commission.

In San Francisco, artistic responsibility is no longer a side issue.
San Francisco must protect and perpetuate its natural advantages by
wisely supervised artistic development. The Art Commission has gone
into its second year under the able leadership of President Lewis P.
Hobart. This group of artists, musicians, architects, litterateurs and
laymen of distinction has given time, study and consideration to the
aesthetic welfare of the municipality. The most important project

(19)

engaging the attention of the commission is the approach to the San
Francisco-Oakland Bay bridge. Negotiations are in progress with
the civil and State authorities, looking to the appointment of a Board
of Consulting Architects to the end that the design for the approaches
may be in scale and harmony with the bridge itself. To Earl Lee
Kelly, Director of Public Works, and Charles H. Purcell, chief engi-
neer of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay bridge, thanks are due for their
fine cooperation in this respect. The commission's activities include
municipal expenditures for the advancement and cultivation of music.
The first city in the United States to support municipal music, San
Francisco has always accepted her responsibility in this leadership.
\o other American city offers better musical programs, within the
reach of all. This year, under the direction of the Music Committee,
J. Emmet Hayden, chairman, we are sponsoring five Municipal Sym-
phony Concerts, with the San Francisco Symphony and internationally
known soloists, in the War Memorial Opera House.

San Francisco's Museums.

The year 1933 was a significant one in the activities of the two San
Francisco museums. The attendance at the California Palace of the
Legion of Honor increased from 194,273 in 1932 to 415,566 for 1933,
and that at the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum reflected great
interest. Not art lovers only, but lovers of fine music as well, are
drawn to the Palace of the Legion of Honor. This is due to the
general appreciation of the organ recitals given by Uda Waldrop. An
artist of world renown, he contributes in a most distinguished way to
the cultural prestige of San Francisco. I take this occasion to
express the general esteem in which he is held by every understanding
citizen. Notable monthly exhibitions have been offered at both
museums. Both acquired during the current year, through public and
private bequests, a number of old masters, greatly enriching the per-
manent collections. In the field of educational work, noteworthy
progress has been made. Weekly lectures by members of the museum
staffs have drawn increasing crowds. Over 12,000 school children have
visited the museums. Three members of the two staffs present weekly
radio broadcasts with most encouraging response.

The California Palace of the Legion of Honor and the M. H. de
Young Memorial Museum occupy a position of vital importance in the
cultural life of San Francisco and are steadily advancing to the point
where they will rank with other great institutions of their kind
throughout the world.

San Francisco Public Library.

The past year was one of retrenchment. It was also the most active
in the history of the library in regard to service to the public. Next
to those agencies giving actual relief, the public library has been of
inestimable service. Between eight and nine million people made
use of the library and over four and one-half million books were cir-
culated for home use. The library system consists of the main library
in the Civic Center and seventeen branches situated in our thickly
populated districts. The business branch in the Russ building took
excellent care of the needs of the business men. The resources of the
reference, reading, music, periodical, newspaper and children's depart-
ments were taxed to the utmost and often seating capacity was inade-

( 20 )

Recorder.
Recording receipts of calendar year 1933 were $97,909.05; salaries,
$89 737 18 giving a surplus of $8,171.87. The total number of docu-
ments filed and recorded for the calendar year 1933 is 57,873. During
the year approximately 8500 official folios have been copied for State,
City and County governments, and for use of war veterans in com-
pensation and pension claims. Approximately 500 papers, such as
election statements, United States tax liens, etc., have been filed in
the office without charge. Efficient services of the Recorder and his
staff are commended.

charge of the Chief Administrative Officer has been marked by increas-
ing coordination and improved efficiency in the work of these depart-
ments, as intended by our new organic law. In addition to the super-
vision of his departments, the Chief Administrative Officer has been
called upon to assist the Civil Works Administration of the United
States Government in the launching of the many projects to employ
men and women in San Francisco. Ready cooperation with the various
Federal organizations engaged in this work has contributed in large
measure to the success of the projects initiated and to the relief of
unemployment in San Francisco. A monthly meeting of all depart-
ment heads under his control is held in the office of the Chief Adminis-
trative Officer. By this method, not only is there a greater cooperation
between departments, but also in the discussions which arise each
department obtains a better idea of the work of other divisions. Many
suggestions have been made at these meetings which have resulted not
only in a more effective handling of City business, but also in a very
material saving to the taxpayer.

Street Traffic Advisory Board.

The Street Traffic Advisory Board met regularly throughout the
past year to assist in eliminating street traffic congestion and hazards
throughout the City and County. This committee, besides the Chief
Administrative Officer as chairman, consists of the Director of Works,
the Chief of the Police Department, the Superintendent of the Depart-
ment of Electricity, the chairman of the City Planning Commission,
the Municipal Judge presiding over the traffic court, and a member
of the Board of Supervisors.

By study and discussion of modern methods of handling traffic em-
ployed in the metropolitan area of the United States, this board has
rendered valuable service in controlling traffic problems of our City
and County. It has also cooperated fully with the private organiza-
tions engaged in similar work.

Garbage Disposal.

So many complaints had been made over a period of years as to the
nuisance created by the incinerator at Fifteenth and De Haro streets
that, acting under court orders, this structure was demolished during
the past year. San Francisco's garbage is now being disposed of by
the sanitary fill method at Bayshore. Numerous requests have been
made from private land owners to have their land filled in this manner
and many are willing to pay a substantial sum for this privilege. How-
ever, it has been recommended to the Board of Supervisors that the
tidelands to the east of and adjacent to Mills Field which is owned by
the City and County of San Francisco be converted into a sanitary

( 21 )

engaging the attention of the commission is the approach to the San
Francisco-Oakland Bay bridge. Negotiations are in progress with
the civil and State authorities, looking to the appointment of a Board
of Consulting Architects to the end that the design for the approaches
may be in scale and harmony with the bridge itself. To Earl Lee
Kelly, Director of Public Works, and Charles H. Purcell, chief engi-
neer of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay bridge, thanks are due for their
fine cooperation in this respect. The commission's activities include
municipal expenditures for the advancement and cultivation of music.
The first city in the United States to support municipal music, San
Francisco has always accepted her responsibility in this leadership.

Tax Collector's Office.

This office now includes, in addition to its usual functions, the newly
created Department of Delinquent Revenues. The last named is the
clearance bureau for delinquent accounts of all municipal depart-
ments, and during the past year collected in excess of $30,000, most
of which would have been lost to the municipality, had it not been
for the thorough work done by the bureau. Through the combined
efforts of the four subdivisions of the Tax Department, an amount
exceeding $30,000,000 was collected during the past year, and I feel
that Tax Collector Bryant and his corps of assistants are entitled to
commendation for their efficiency.

Registrar of Voters.

The office of the Registrar of Voters has been very effective. In
addition to the usual routine it was confronted in January with the
necessity of cancelling approximately 42,000 registrations of electors
who failed to vote at the August primary and general election of 1932
and to advise electors by mail of these cancellations. This work made
mandatory by the Permanent Registration law had to be rushed in
order to complete it in sufficient time for the special election held
April 11, 1933. The department was also called upon to check three
initiative and referendum petitions of approximately 60,000 names.
Four elections were held this year as follows: April 11, Charter
Amendments; June 27, delegates to State convention re-repeal Eigh-
teenth Amendment, State Constitutional Amendments and Proposi-
tions, and local school bonds; November 7, Municipal election; Decem-
ber 19, State referendum of Central "Valleys project and local school
bonds.

These elections were conducted as efficiently and as economically,
consistent with good service to the voting public, as was possible, and
on the whole I am satisfied that the service rendered was satisfactory
to the voters.

The office has been maintained within the appropriations of the
budget and supplemental appropriations for special elections, and its
conduct has been businesslike and creditable.

County Clerk.

County Clerk Mulcrevy's office shows during the year 1933 receipts
of approximately $98,000. Mr. Mulcrevy is one of the deans in muni-
cipal service, and through all his years of public activity he has won
the respect of the legal profession and all others who have had busi-
ness with his office. I desire to commend him for the efficient and
courteous manner in which this important office is conducted.

(22)

Recording receipts of calendar year 1933 were $97,909.05; salaries,
$89,737.18, giving a surplus of $8,171.87. The total number of docu-
ments filed and recorded for the calendar year 1933 is 57,873. During
the year approximately 8500 official folios have been copied for State,
City and County governments, and for use of war veterans in com-
pensation and pension claims. Approximately 500 papers, such as
election statements, United States tax liens, etc., have been filed in
the office without charge. Efficient services of the Recorder and his
staff are commended.

Public Administrator.

The operations of the office of Public Administrator, covering the
period from January 3, 1933, to December 2G, 1933, include: number of
estates wherein Public Administrator took possession, 283; number of
estates in which final accounts have been settled and allowed, 237;
total fees paid into Treasury, $65,046.54; total cost of operation of the
office from January 1, 1933, to December 2G, 1933, $37,323.01; profit,
$27,723.53. I am pleased to see this office on a paying basis. Thanks
are deserved by the Public Administrator and his assistants. The
office of the Public Administrator was moved from the Phelan building
to the City Hall, with an annual saving of $2,340 in rental.

Bureau of Employment Registration.

This bureau, as its title implies, is for registration. Created by
ordinance of the Board of Supervisors on July 10, 1933, its sole purpose
was to establish the registrant as having lived in San Francisco for
one year prior to the date of registration. It was hoped that employ-
ers would ask for the cards issued to registrants, thus recognizing
in all new employments bona fide residents of San Francisco. Organ-
ized July 17, 1933, under A. E. Curtis, Director of Finance and Records,
the bureau issued registration cards to applicants up to December
31. More than 3000 were refused registration as unqualified. The
bureau functions with a personnel of 135 employes, without expense,
except $1,250 appropriated for printing, stationery and office equip-
ment. Its value in cooperation with the Civil Works Administration
in insuring employment on their projects only for bona fide residents
is widely recognized. The personnel has been paid out of the funds
of the Citizens' Emergency Relief up to December 1, 1933. Since then,
the bureau has functioned as a project of the C. W. A., with salaries
paid out of Federal funds.

Department of Public Works.

The Department of Public Works submitted numerous projects to
the Federal Government with the view of employment of the San Fran-
cisco allotment of 16,000 workers under the Civil Works Administra-
tion before the 15th of December The major engineering projects were
Lake Merced boulevard, 4985 men employed; Alemany boulevard exten-
sion, 482 workers; repairs on public buildings, 1100 skilled workers;
miscellaneous, 178. The total employment is 6745.

In common with all the others, the 1100 skilled workers employed in
San Francisco on repairing public buildings are assured of steady work
at least until the 15th of February, their further employment depending
on action which is confidently expected from Congress. There are 275
employed on the Auditorium; 304 at San Francisco Hospital; 265 at

( 23 )

Laguna Honda Home; 127 at the Hall of Justice; 63 on the State build-
ing; and 66 at the City Hall, fire houses and police stations.

San Francisco has an unexpended allotment of $600,000 for N. R. A.
projects and San Francisco Bay bridge approaches; plans and specifica-
tions have been completed. Our allotment under the additional gas tax
amounts to $434,000, and this available fund will be used for a com-
prehensive system of street and boulevard improvements made neces-
sary to rearrange our traffic arteries to serve the Golden Gate bridge.

There is available for the completion of our boulevard system,
$245,000; plans and specifications will soon be completed. Also avail-
able is $1,125,000 for construction of cottages at the Tuberculosis Pre-
ventorium, additions to Laguna Honda Home and the construction of
a Psychopathic and Cancer Institute building. During the year the
department's activities in building construction, street work and pav-
ing, street lighting and sewer construction have involved the expendi-
ture of $1,148,314.

Among the more important of these activities are: Bernal boule-
vard, circling Bernal Heights district, partially completed in 1929.
The cost is $20,000; contract let and completion assured within 60
days; second unit, Junipero Serra boulevard extension from School
street to Washington street, Colma, 70 per cent completed; cost
$175,000, including rights of way; a further unit in the Alemany boule-
vard, from Ocean avenue to San Jose avenue, completed.

Also completed Dewey boulevard from Clarendon avenue to Seventh
avenue; Woodside avenue from Portola drive to Clarendon avenue; two
sections of the permanent road improvement in Golden Gate Park,
and numerous streets reconditioned and resurfaced throughout the
City, where traffic conditions demanded.

Contracts will be let within 30 days for the third unit of Junipero
Serra boulevard, from Washington street, Colma, to Camino Real, south
of Cypress Lawn cemetery. This connection, when completed, will
make a functioning highway, diverting all traffic up the peninsula,
destined to the Sunset, Richmond and Marina districts, taking the pres-
ent load of such traffic off Mission and Howard streets.

The Colma bottleneck project is sponsored by the County of San
Mateo, Daly City, the State and San Francisco. When completed, in-
cluding all items, will cost about $750,000. Due to the generosity of
the State Highway Commission, and the allocation of N. R. A. funds,
the project is now financed with a minimum of expense to the coun-
ties involved. From present indications contract will be let in 30 days
and completion expected in early fall. Certainly this will make one of
the finest traffic approaches to any American city. It will meet any
future traffic demands.

The widening of Army street, from Bay Shore boulevard, westerly, is
delayed on account of differences with property owners as to location.
The matter is now in court, with early decision expected, when the
work will be prosecuted vigorously to completion. The Third Street
bridge, the most noted of the bascule type in the world as to length
and width and for the handling of vehicular and rail traffic, was
constructed for $640,000. It opens a traffic vent which has long been
a problem and gives easy flow for traffic from the commercial and
industrial districts, and synchronizes two sections of the harbor front
for rail transportations, heretofore unconnected. It also safeguards
movement of vessels.

( 24 )

Authorized bond issues coming under the jurisdiction of this depart-
ment are as follows: P. W. A. bonds (a) sewers, $2,625,000, and (b)
high pressure system, $2,000,000; school program, $3,000,000. Engi-
neering on the sewer and high pressure program is so far under way
that a half million dollars in contracts can be awarded as soon as the
bonds are sold. Conservatively, these bond projects should provide
employment for 2500 additional workers for a period of more than
a year.

Projects Contemplated.

The bridge approaches, financed by N. R. A. funds, will be the
means of widening and reconditioning Bryant and Harrison from
Fifth to Tenth streets, Fell from Tenth to Van Ness avenue; Van Ness
avenue from Market to Bay streets; Tenth street from Division to
Market, and Potrero avenue from Division to Bay Shore highway.

With these streets reconditioned, a large part of the augmented traffic
produced by these bridges will be taken care of, but there are addi-
tional streets which will have to be reconstructed and widened before
the bridges are completed and, therefore, a program must be set up
which, over a period of several years, will completely recondition the
streets leading to and from the bridge head and the north of Market
area. Lombard street, leading from Van Ness avenue and connecting
with the Golden Gate bridge, should be widened and improved at a
cost of $400,000. Howard street, from Army to The Embarcadero,
should be reconditioned at a cost of $200,000 as an additional outlet
and inlet for peninsular traffic.

Nineteenth avenue, Lincoln way to Sloat boulevard, must be im-
proved before the Golden Gate bridge is completed, to take care of the
traffic down the peninsula. The estimated cost of this project is
$150,000.

The Divisional Highway should have attention, and at least the unit
between Castro and Divisadero streets should be undertaken during the
ensuing year. The cost of this work is estimated at $120,000.

Laguna Honda boulevard between Dewey boulevard and Seventh ave-
nue is in bad condition, and carries a large volume of traffic. This
project should be started and completed during 1934. The cost is esti-
mated at $70,000.

Streets such as Golden Gate avenue from Market to Van Ness;
Front street from Market to The Embarcadero, and Sixth street from
Harrison to Market should receive consideration as traffic outlets.

Plans for a major road crossing Golden Gate Park should be de-
veloped and finished before completion of the bridges. This road could
be so located and planned that it would in no way interfere with the
utility or beauty of the park. It could be depressed for the most part,
and should provide for concrete structures and a separation of traffic
for the existing road system in the park.

Geneva avenue, Mission street to the Bay Shore Highway, should
receive attention during the year. This connection between two heavy
duty traffic arteries is of great importance from a traffic standpoint,
the existing road being narrow and subject to traffic accidents.

Department of Public Health.

No little commendation has come from various sources of national
influence to our Department of Public Health, under the able adminis-

( 25 )

tration of Doctor J. C. Geiger. The fact that San Francisco has one
of the finest health records of 1933 was made possible through the
far-sighted and rational attitude of San Francisco in providing funds
for the proper continuation of the department's activities.

Public health is purchaseable and San Francisco realizes that its
investment in health is its greatest asset and safeguard. Most cities
and many State Departments of Public Health were forced to carry
on their activities with reduced budgets for 1933 and 1934, but I am
confident that the health of our citizens will be protected and pre-
served, even more zealously in the future than in the past.

The year 1933 saw no major epidemics of the communicable diseases
in San Francisco. Death rates and general illness rates have been
lower than for 1932.

During the past year, even more than during previous years, many
citizens have found it necessary to ask for medical care, both in the
hospitals and other institutions of the City and County, and in their
own homes. The 1933 patient census in the San Francisco Hospital
was 14,239, even higher than that of 1932. The Laguna Honda Home,
also, has a patient census that is greater than that ever reached before,
nearly 2000 people being cared for within the home and infirmary.
Waiting lists of considerable length exist for both of these institutions,
and admissions are necessarily restricted, but there has been an
appreciable decrease in the number of patients hospitalized within the
San Francisco Hospital, and a noticeable decrease in the number of
applicants for hospital care. The Director of Public Health believes
that the decrease this year has been more extensive than usual. This
might be explained by the return to work of large numbers of men
under the Civil Works Administration program, since it appears quite
definite that a relation does exist between idleness and illness.

The completion and occupancy of the Health Center has contributed
much to the proper and economical administration of this vital part
of the City's machinery. I would note also, the completion of the
Alemany Emergency Hospital and Health Center, which provides
adequate protection to a populous section of our City. The cost was
$90,000.

The work of the preventive services of the department, instead of
being subjected to enforced curtailment of activities as in many cities,
has been maintained and even augmented, with the requirements of
new legislation. The work of the department, in certain fields, at least,
has attracted widespread attention with the publication of scientific
reports in national publications. Likewise, the action of the Board
of Supervisors in enacting modern legislation providing for a safe
milk supply for San Francisco and regulation of the use of dangerous
gases in fumigation, has brought favorable comment from many sec-
tions of the United States.

Social Welfare Activities.

Our humanitarian activities for the fiscal year 1933-1934, according
to budget estimates and aditional allocations to date, are as follows:
Health Department, $2,502,299; Juvenile Court, $704,143; County Wel-
fare Department, $692,039; Feeble-Minded, $130,000; Juvenile Deten-
tion Home, $27,383; Adult Probation Department, $24,424; Mainte-
nance, Criminal Insane and Narcotics, $20,000; Transportation of
Indigent Insane, $3,000— a grand total of $4,103,288.

It is to be noted that this total is exclusive of resources of the
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unemployment relief, Community Chest and other organizations dedi-
cated to humanitarian impulses. I have had many reasons to believe
that in no city in the world are the wants of the people better satisfied
than here.

County Welfare Department.

The County Welfare Department, under the capable direction of Miss
Eugenie Schenk and her efficient staff, has under its care those
entitled to State and County aid under three legislative acts— half-
orphan children living with their widowed mothers, the needy aged
and the needy blind. No aid is granted to any individual through the
County Welfare Department unless said person is entitled also to
State aid. At the close of 1933, it numbered among its charges 439
families in which aid was being extended to 979 children. The cost
for the month of November, 1933, was $16,844.82, approximately 45
per cent of this to be borne by the County and 55 per cent by the
State. In that month, 1456 aged were drawing aid, and the expendi-
ture for the month was $31,643.60, to be borne share and share alike
by the State and County according to law. Those on blind aid num-
bered 228 and the expenditure for the month was $7,418, also to be
borne share and share alike by State and County according to law.

A growing understanding and good will between this department
and the thousands it serves is the aim of all in the personnel.

Juvenile Detention.

The Juvenile Probation Department during the fiscal year provided
care for 2757 minor children in need of the necessaries of life, expend-
ing the sum of $638,366. These moneys supplied a substantial economic
background to this group of under-privileged children, granting physi-
cal maintenance, educational opportunities, etc., to the end that they
might develop into normal, useful citizens. During the last fiscal year
there was an approximate monthly average of 93 children in State
institutions, placed there because of anti-social conduct, so that they
might receive training in an effort to prevent them from leading crim-
inal lives and being liabilities to the future. During 1932-1933, 1715
children passed through our Juvenile Detention Home. The program
of the court is to give temporary care to such unfortunate youngsters
for the period of time necessary in working out plans for their normal
adjustment to life. Public funds are expended in this department for
the greatest of all endeavors, namely, that of providing direction and
security to the youth of today who will be assets or liabilities of the
citizenry of tomorrow.

Purchasing Department.

During the year 1933 there were received from the various depart-
ments 52,851 requisitions. These requisitions in actual orders
amounted to $6,698,166.60. The Purchasing Department not only does
the buying for all the departments and institutions, but also operates
the City's repair shops, garages, storerooms, warehouse and service
station. During the past year the buying of foodstuffs and supplies
for extending relief to a large number of residents, who by reason of
economic conditions were unable to obtain employment, placed an
additional heavy burden upon the Purchasing Department. Despite
this fact the standard of the department has been maintained in a
highly satisfactory condition. Through our system of competitive
buying and quantity purchases we have been able to secure large

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benefits for the City and have obtained the greatest value for the
money expended. We welcome the system of competitive bidding and
invite all merchants of our City to bid with us on the various items
in their lines of business. Price is not the only factor in the buying
of materials and supplies, as quality is also taken into consideration,
and San Francisco merchants and San Francisco-made products are
given preference, other things being equal.

Department of Electricity.

The Department of Electricity, Ralph W. Wiley, Chief, made a cred-
itable showing during the calendar year just closed. Among the out-
standing accomplishments: manufactured and installed fire alarm
boxes, police boxes, traffic signals, and arterial stop signs, including
the laying of cable and all other incidental work; also additional fire
alarm box circuits for Central Fire Alarm Station. Radios were in-
stalled in Police and Fire Department automobiles. Radio receiving
sets were installed in all the district police stations. Permanent broad-
cast circuits between the War Memorial Opera House and the Civic
Center were installed and public address systems at the Civic Audi-
torium and City Hall maintained and operated. Fire Alarm Station:
total number of signals transmitted, 44,961; number of fire alarm
boxes in service, 1421; monthly tests of fire alarm boxes totalled 16,940
for the year. Inspection Bureau: applications received, 14,776; inspec-
tions made, 46,724; installations approved, 15,045. Inspection fees and
other revenue received, $42,832.72; total expenditures. $179,011.57.

Real Estate Department.

During 1933, lands and rights of way were secured for the Lake
Merced boulevard, Bernal Heights boulevard, the extension of Uni-
versity Mound reservoir, a new road connecting the Excelsior district
and Visitacion Valley, and various other projects, making it possible to
immediately place thousands of unemployed men as soon as the
C. W. A. money became available. A portion of the old Odd Fellows'
cemetery and a site in the Bay View district have been acquired and
under the direction of the C. W. A. men are now grading these lands
for playground purposes. Junipero Serra boulevard is now being con-
structed through Daly City and Colma. Soon it is expected that
another contract will be let to further extend this boulevard to connect
with El Camino Real south of Cypress Lawn cemetery. Rapid progress
is being made in acquiring necessary land for widening Mission street
between the towns of Daly City and Colma, in order to have this
particular job available, so that contracts may be let during the
coming year. The Civic Auditorium is being thoroughly renovated;
also a factory has been equipped here, giving work to hundreds of
women, sewing garments for the use of various public institutions, a
unit of the C. W. A. program.

Coroner's Office.

In the year just closed, the Coroner's office handled 2282 cases, the
greatest number in its history. Suicides, numbering 249, were 16
fewer than in 1932; deaths from natural causes were 45 greater; the
total number of cases exceeded the 1932 roll by 59. Cases handled in
1929, a total of 2002, were 280 below last year's record. In spite of
the volume handled, the cost of operation has not been increased.
Autopsies performed, 1650; inquests held, 1804. The conduct of the
office, under Dr. T. B. W. Leland and his experienced staff, has been
efficient and highly satisfactory.

( 28 )

Agricultural Commission.

Besides the enforcement of the agricultural laws of California, Com-
missioner W. F. Carroll has for the past nine months inspected the
food products for the Citizens' Relief Committee, rejecting and return-
ing thousands of packages which did not meet specifications. In the
inspection and certification of fruits and produce for export, a total
of 6098 certificates were issued. An ordinance of your Honorable
Board, in effect January 5, 1934, requires exporters to pay a fee for
such inspection service and also provides inspection by the commis-
sioner of all fruits and produce sold on contract to city institutions.

Board of Beverage Commissioners.

This board was brought into being by ordinance of the Board of
Supervisors, approved April 3, 1933, upon the authority of which a
commission of three was appointed by me, consisting of the Chief
Administrative Officer, a member of the City Planning Commission
and a member of the Police Commission. On July 23, a member of
the Health Advisory Board was appointed to succeed the Chief Admin-
istrative Officer, resigned. During its term of office, April 3 to Decem-
5, 1933, 5484 applications were received for permits as beverage dealers,
of which 828 were denied, withdrawn or canceled, and 4656 granted.
Receipts totalled $184,223.29. The entire expense of the bureau was
$1,877.96. Clerical help required was drafted from other City depart-
ments. The net receipts of the board represents a saving of 2y2 cents
in our tax rate. With the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment on
December 5, 1933, the Board of Beverage Commissioners went out of
existence. My thanks to the board and its assistants.

If you have followed the foregoing with an attentive mind, you will
join with me in thankfulness that our beloved City is so favored as
we enter the year 1934. Equally, I am sure, you will be pleased to
cooperate with the Executive Department to the end that the high
position San Francisco has achieved amongst world cities may be
maintained.

Respectfully,

ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor.

(29 )

Annual Message

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO THE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF TH E

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Seventh
Nineteen Thirty-Five

Annual Message

O F

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO TH E

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

O F TH E

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Seventh
Nineteen Thirty-Five

Letter of Mayor to Board of Supervisors.

MAYOR'S OFFICE

SAN FRANCISCO

January 7, 1935.
To the Honorable The Board of Supervisors, City and County of San
Francisco.

Gentlemen:

In conformity with Section 25 of the Charter, I am transmitting
my Annual Report of the municipal affairs of the City and County of
San Francisco for the year ended December 31, 1934.

It is most opportune to comment on the general condition of cor-
related matters and to add such recommendations as occur to me to
be most timely and appropriate.

San Francisco has weathered a year thronged with important events
and burdensome problems. It is my opinion that San Francisco faces
a New Year with better reason for renewed confidence. We have
broken the backbone of a long-continued depression, especially in so
far as San Francisco and the Bay area are concerned.

Municipally speaking, San Francisco, at the dawning of the New
Year, compares most favorably with any city in the United States. On
our way to recovery we have observed the utmost economy, conserving
the money of the taxpayer at every possible opportunity, always with
due thought for the proper, normal functioning of all departments.
Our citizens have traveled the road from adversity to better conditions
with courage and that fine optimism they have shown on historic
occasions in the past. We have the advantage of a balanced budget,
and the lowest tax rate of any city of comparable size, and the per-
centage of tax delinquencies is and has been the envy of other munici-
palities. We quote from a report from Leonard S. Leavy, the Con-
troller, who has rendered such signal service to our City:

"The tax collections as at December 5th last were delinquent
5.355% as compared to 6.82% at December 5, 1933. The prepaid
second installment of taxes represented 3.2% as compared with 2.94%
in 1933." I am pleased to note that our tax delinquency status is
practically normal.

"The bonds of our City are selling at a premium, on the present
market, and are considered a gilt-edged investment. Knowledge of
our solvency is nation-wide. That it is known at Washington has been
attested by the prompt cooperation received from Federal officials
under the President's National Recovery Act. They realize our readi-
ness to meet our financial obligations and they have worked with us,
to our great satisfaction, with high consideration. The merit of our
financial condition is unquestionably reflected in the following tabu-
lations of tax note sales and interest rates applicable thereto for the
calendar year ended December 31, 1934.

Interest Rate
Date Amount Sold Per Annum

193',

February 28 $1,500,000 1.5 %

March 28 1,500,000 .75%

September 19 3,000,000 .60%

October 24 1,500,000 .55%

$7,500,000
All of these notes were paid at maturity.

The budget for the fiscal year 1933-34 was balanced on a cash basis,
despite the fact that revenues as budgeted were not realized. The

(3)

accrued deficit in the general fund of the City and County amounting
to $810,639.30, as at June 30, 1931, has been eliminated and there has
been created a balance in the cash reserve fund as at June 30, 1934, in
the sum of $2,015,070.64.

Relief.

The total expended for all Unemployment Relief during 1934 was
$14,496,332, recapitulated as follows:

Direct Relief $ 5,918,786

Civil Works Administration 4,000,000

State Emergency Relief 4,577,546

$14,496,332

In addition to the above total monies were appropriated for the
maintenance of our permanent health institutions and for the widows'
pensions, needy aged, needy blind and all other humanitarian activi-
ties, which approximated $4,000,000. The grand total for unemployment
relief and for humanitarian relief reached a total of over $18,000,000.

The Citizens Emergency Relief Committee, under the able chairman-
ship of Judge M. C. Sloss, with Charles M. Wollenberg as director,
resigned after rendering an unselfish contribution of time and energy
for over two years. I named a new committee, pursuant to your ordi-
nance, headed by Mr. Florence McAuliffe, with Paul M. Davis as direc-
tor. This committee and the directorate are carrying on in strict
cooperation with the city administration, the State and Federal Emer-
gency Relief Administrations, in consonance with general instructions
from the Federal Government. I take this opportunity to express San
Francisco's gratitude to the Federal authorities who have cooperated
so zealously and contributed so generously, financially in our relief
program.

He+ch He+chy Power.

October 28th witnessed the first flow of Sierra snow water from the
Hetch-Hetchy system, through the Coast Range tunnel into Crystal
Springs Reservoir. Thus is laid, for all time, a spectre which has, from
time to time, risen to threaten us — fear of water famine. Secretary of
the Department of Interior Harold L. Ickes, United States Senator
Hiram W. Johnson, and others high in Federal, State and Municipal
officialdom, joined with us in this momentous consummation of plans
laid decades ago.

Power produced by the Early Intake and Moccasin Power Houses in
1934 was in excess of the yearly average. The revenue for the calendar
year 1934 was $2,282,225, and the early and abundant rainfall which we
have had so far, almost assured that the year 1935 will be also above
the average. Since 1925, when the Moccasin Power Plant went into
operation, the City has received a net income of $16,976,000.

Despite the fact that the Early Intake and Moccasin plants are pro-
ducing a good revenue, we are not utilizing the water available to its
maximum possibilities. At Red Mountain Bar we are still spilling
water which, if used for power production, would produce an annual
revenue of $550,000 at a capital expense of about $1,000,000.

The raising of O'Shaughnessy Dam, which will be contracted for this
month, will add 70 per cent to the City's water storage at that point.
This will insure the Moccasin Creek Power Plant continuous operation
throughout the year, giving us additional power revenue, and also
satisfy the agricultural needs of the Modesto and Turlock Irrigation
Districts.

This will materially aid San Francisco in the efforts which are being
made to settle by arbitration a number of law suits now pending, dis-
puting our water rights on the Tuolumne River.

(4)

I deem it my duty to call to your attention the fact that the Federal
Government has been investigating the conditions involving our agency
contract with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

A complete report has been asked for by the Government and all
the desired information is being furnished as rapidly as possible by
the Public Utilities Commission. The Government asked particularly
as to what efforts had been made in the past to provide a municipally-
owned distribution system. In response to the inquiry, certified copies
of the records of the Registrar's Office were transmitted, showing that
on three different occasions, the last in November, 1933, propositions
were submitted to the people providing for municipal distribution of
Hetch Hetchy power, all of which failed to receive the required vote.

It is possible that the Federal Government will make some recom-
mendation on this subject in the near future.

Municipal Railway.

Our municipal railway earned a net profit of $150,000 in 1934, as con-
trasted with $95,000 loss in 1933. The net betterment in 1934, over
1933, therefore, was $245,000. We may well take pride in the solvent
condition of our municipal railways.

San Francisco Airport.

Despite the fact that the close of the year found only one major
airport operating in Northern California, San Francisco Airport showed
an increase of 125 per cent in business transacted. Nearly 38,000 pas-
sengers passed through this airport as against 17,000 in 1933.

Water Department.

During less than five years of municipal ownership our water de-
partment has had a gross revenue of $31,970,588, with a net income of
$12,226,050. This net income was applied: to general fund, tax reduc-
tion, $2,336,229; bond redemption, $5,105,000; additions and better-
ments, $3,793,752; surplus, $972,774; other appropriations, $18,295.

The death of M. M. O'Shaughnessy just before the consummation of
the plans for bringing Hetch Hetchy water to San Francisco, cast a
pall over our spirits. His name will live in this colossal work, as in
other major accomplishments under his long administration.

Due to the conservative, businesslike management of this utility, a
10 per cent reduction has been made to our water consumers. This
constitutes an annual saving to them of $70D,000.

We are pleased with the prosperous condition of our public utilities
and give due credit for this condition of affairs to Mr. Lewis F.
Byington, President of the Commission, its members, its manager,
Mr. E. C. Cahill, and his corps of efficient subordinates.

Street Lighting.

In the coming fiscal year, I trust the Public Utilities Commission will
recommend in its budget, sufficient funds for adequate lighting in all
business and residential sections of our city.

Recreation.

To equip districts now without proper recreational facilities, I recom-
mended in the last budget $200,000 for land and improvements.
Through State legal restrictions this sum was deleted. I trust, in the
coming budget, means will be found to provide our children, in the
districts affected, facilities for play, equal to those enjoyed in other
parts of the City.

(5)

Garbage Disposal.

Another year has come and gone, leaving no solution of the vexa-
tious garbage problem, although the people, by their votes, have given
to your honorable body, necessary authority. At present, on a day to
day permit, granted by the Visitacion Valley Sanitary Board, we con-
tinue to dispose of our garbage under the fill and cover method, over
the line, in San Mateo County.

Your Board has worked on this problem during the entire year,
without attaining desired results. Bids were asked in August, for the
construction of an incinerator, to be operated privately, on a 25-year
franchise, without avail. You are now asking bids for disposal of
garbage and waste of the City by any method except dumping at sea.
I trust that, on February eighteenth, the date set for the receipt of
bids, a satisfactory proposal will be received in order that this peren- .
nial problem will be solved without further unnecessary delay.

Bridge Terminal and Rapid Transit.

Your Board, upon my recommendation, as suggested by the Public
Utilities Commission, approved an appropriation of $25,000 for a
study of the effect on San Francisco, of these new entrances to the
City, and needs for rapid transit facilities to equal quicker transporta-
tion available in East and North Bay communities. This study is
now in process.

In my opinion, the proper solution of rapid transit facilities to all
parts of this City and to the San Mateo County Peninsula is the most
vital problem facing the City of San Francisco today.

Naturally, San Francisco is vitally interested in a proper terminal
for the San Francisco-Oakland Transbay Bridge, one of the greatest
engineering feats ever undertaken, as well as in interurban mass trans-
portation over the bridge. I have heretofore called the attention of
the California Toll Bridge Authority to the fact that the originally
proposed terminal is inadequate to meet the needs of San Francisco.
We must have terminal facilities commensurate in area with our
traffic requirements and architecturally harmonious with its metro-
politan importance. It should front on a major thoroughfare.

I have every hope that the conditions complained of will be remedied
and that a proper terminal will be provided. I will cooperate in every
way with the Board of Supervisors to the end that an interurban mass
transportation system may be provided for, which will not only be
adequate to the needs of the metropolitan district, but which will also
safeguard the rights of the people against any unfair monopoly in
the use of the bridge.

Harbor.

It is obvious that San Francisco should control its own harbor
facilities. Our most dependable assurance of livelihood is from sea-
borne commerce. We should, as I stated last year, "possess the key
to our front door". Ownership, management and complete control
by San Francisco of this, its greatest asset, would add to our prestige,
as a world city. We only ask what is enjoyed by other maritime
Pacific Coast cities. I repeat my recommendation to your Honorable
Board.

Taxation.

On January 11, 1934, the Controller recommended to your Honorable
Board that consideration be given to the appointment of a Special
Committee on Tax Matters; this committee to thereafter function
with other elective and appointive officials to the end that San Fran-
cisco would be informed as to contemplated procedure changes and

(6)

also as to all new tax measures which might be introduced at the 1935
session of the Legislature at Sacramento.

I have noted published statements of the State's fiscal problem and
a reported deficiency outlook at the end of the ensuing biennium,
which will undoubtedly necessitate new forms of taxation and possibly
the elimination of certain fixed charges.

It is highly important that the officials of San Francisco should
be most alert to preclude, during the ensuing session of the Legisla-
ture, the passing of any legislation which might affect the subventions
which now accrue to this county.

The effect of the return of utilities to the assessment rolls should
be on a basis to give that relief to the taxpayers of San Francisco
which was suggested during the exploitation of the Riley-Stewart Bill.

Your Board is to be commended for the creation of this Special Tax
Committee, and having attended some of its meetings, I am assured
that the interests of the City and County of San Francisco will be
safely protected at Sacramento this year, so that no additional tax
burden might be imposed upon the citizens of San Francisco.

Public Works.

The year 1934 saw the completion of the new County Jail in San
Mateo County, constructed at a cost of $850,000. This plant, with the
surrounding lands, represents the last word in jail construction, and
in its policy of handling inmates, it is the most modern in the country.

A contract was let for the improvement of Mission Street from the
County Line to School Street in San Mateo County for the sum of
$200,000. This work will be completed in the early spring, and will
afford one of the finest entrances possible to our City for vehicular
traffic. This section has long been designated as a bottleneck.

Units 2 and 3 of the Junipero Serra Boulevard were completed
during the year, at a total cost of $280,000. This approach to the City
now connects directly with the El Camino Real below the cemeteries,
and it permits of the separation of traffic entering the City. It will
also become a very important unit in the augmented traffic produced
by the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge.

A unit of highway construction, a contract for which will be let in
the early spring, is the extension of Alemany Boulevard from Junipero
Serra Boulevard to Skyline Boulevard. This work, when completed,
will afford a direct east and west connection across the entire City.
It will cost approximately $150,000.

The improvement of Army Street from Bay Shore Boulevard to
San Jose Avenue has been actively under way during the entire year.
Numerous rights of way have been acquired and buildings have been
set back to the new line. This project will continue on the unit plan
during the year 1935.

The streets connecting the bridge head of the San Francisco-Oakland
Bay Bridge, which include the widening of Harrison Street from 5th
to 10th Street, Bryant Street from 5th to 10th Street, Tenth Street from
Division to Market Street, Fell Street from Market Street to Van Ness
Avenue, and Potrero Avenue from Division Street to Bay Shore Boule-
vard, are either all completed, or will be within the next two months.

San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.

In the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, our City possesses one of
its greatest cultural and educational assets, and one which has always
been regarded as a true symbol of our municipal prestige. The organ-
ization has been our center of musical activity for twenty-three years
and has attracted hosts of music-lovers from all over California.

(7)

Aside from its interest to concert patrons, the Symphony must also
be looked upon as an important commercial asset to our City. Con-
sideration must be given to the 85 members of the orchestra, also the
stage hands, office force, doormen, and ushers and box office attendants.
Altogether many thousands of dollars are thrown into the channels
of trade in San Francisco through the presence of the Symphony. We
must also consider that the Symphony is one of the permanent tenants
of the War Memorial Opera House, both in office space and concert
rentals.

In short, it is of utmost importance, both commercially and culturally
that our Symphony Orchestra be kept intact.

Local Industry.

My policy of favoring local industries and local manufacturers and
merchants has been carried out to the limit of the legal restrictions of
our Charter. The Chief Administrative Officer, and your Honorable
Board cooperated efficiently in this regard and general satisfaction has
been expressed at the results obtained.

In accordance with the various NRA Codes, many instances have
occurred where bids for materials have been identical. In every such
instance, preference has been given to taxpayers of San Francisco who
maintain a payroll within our City.

The same policy has been adopted wherever possible toward sub-
contractors bidding on local work even to the rejection of bids where
necessary to assure results. It has even been extended to such technical
assignments as to consulting architects and consulting engineers em-
ployed on City work.

Public Works Administration Projects.

The great program of Public Works projects in San Francisco, ap-
proximating $24,000,000, has been assisted greatly by the cooperation
and financial help of the Federal Government, which has not only pur-
chased bonds passed by the people in 1933, but also has given a free
grant of 30% of the cost of labor and materials.

Projects completed under this program in 1934 totaled $4,804,956;
projects under way total $2,624,753; contracts let for projects to be
finished in 1935 will total $9,072,936.

At the end of 1934, San Francisco has much to be thankful for and
well-founded confidence in the future. I trust that the spirit of opti-
mism that impelled us during the hours of darkness will continue to
inspire us now that the dawn seems at hand.

With the splendid courage that is our heritage from our pioneer fore-
bears, let us remain conscious of an historical dignity and preserve a
record of accomplishment unchallenged by any other great American
city. Thus, we may best be assured of the good will and commendation
we have earned in the judgment of the world.

To my unselfish and loyal supporters in the City government, and to
all public spirited citizens who have given their best efforts in the
service of the public, I wish to express my sincere thankfulness.

I trust this New Year will bring a large measure of happiness and
prosperity to our citizens.

Respectfully,

ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor.

(»)

Mayor's Annual Message

MAYOR'S OFFICE

SAN FRANCISCO

January 7, 1935.
The Honorable The Board of Supervisors of the City and County of
San Francisco.

Gentlemen: I am sending to your Honorable Board, as directed in
Section 25 of the Charter, a statement of the affairs of the City and
County of San Francisco.

It was my pleasure, in forwarding my message of January 8, 1934,
to refer to the orderly manner in which all departments of this munic-
ipality had adjusted themselves to the provisions of our Charter, which
today celebrates the third anniversary. I wish to confirm that thought.
The value of our Charter has become widely manifest. Our citizens,
too, realize the benefits it aims to bring them, and they are loyally
assisting in carrying out its mandates.

We have come through a difficult year very creditably. San Fran-
cisco's progress is watched throughout the union. My office receives
many requests for information as to how we maintain a balanced bud-
get, low tax rates and tax delinquency ratio and what causes these
highly desirable conditions to be maintained.

Together with all loyal public servants, I am devoutly thankful
that San Francisco has been able to attain and maintain so eminent a
position amongst cities of world-wide importance.

Radio Broadcasts.

For the past ninety-two weeks, by courtesy of the National Broad-
casting Company, the various departments of San Francisco's municipal
government have, through their chiefs, brought to radio listeners much
information of public interest. Many indications of the appreciation
of the radio public continue to be received.

San Francisco is unique in undertaking this duty to its citizens and
taxpayers from the Mayor's office. I wish to admit our indebtedness to
Don Gilman, Vice-President of the NBC, for unfailing courtesy and
generosity in cooperating with me.

Relief.

I wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to Judge M. C. Sloss, the
members of his committee and Director C M. Wollenberg, for their
efficient and unselfish work in carrying on the relief of San Fran-
cisco's unemployed until they relinquished their duties in September.
Our citizens owe them high appreciation. I wish also to commend the
present Committee, Mr. Florence M. McAuliffe, chairman, and Paul H.
Davis, for their intelligent devotion to this important work since Septem-
ber. I quote a letter received from Vernon D. Northrup, Acting Adminis-
trator, State Emergency Relief Administration, of date, January first:

"Dear Mayor Rossi:

"On this, the first day of 1935, may I take the opportunity of ex-
pressing, in behalf of the State Emergency Relief Administration, our
sincere appreciation of your spirit of intelligent cooperation which has
been so evident throughout the past year.

"The very nature of our National Recovery Program precludes the
possibility of anticipating the problems to be met in the coming year.
At this particular time it seems we all have reason to be hopeful that
the future problems may be less difficult than those of the past. In any
case, your understanding and helpfulness invites the fullest possible
cooperation from all divisions of the SERA."

(9)

Twelve out of every hundred San Franciscans are supported in whole
or in part by relief funds. San Francisco, unlike other large cities,
has been able to care for its County indigents without the aid of
Federal or State funds. With the appointment of the new Emergency
Relief Administrator, in September, there was combined the organiza-
tion of the Citizens Emergency Relief and the State organization, op-
erating in San Francisco under one director, thereby cutting down
administrative costs from 16 to 9.8 per cent.

The relief load is steadily increasing. Present relief administrative
set up is such that the increasing burden can be absorbed with no
delay to persons seeking aid. Many problems face the Emergency Re-
lief Administration; rent; clothing for the aged and school children;
medical and dental care; re-employment.

Twenty thousand men and women are employed on the present work
relief program. The Emergency Relief Administration and its com-
mittees feel that creating jobs solely to put men to work is unsound;
work projects must be planned in accordance with the type of vocations
listed by the unemployed; to be operated as efficiently as similar enter-
prises in the business world. Under the present program all work
projects will fit in with a preconceived plan for the beautification of
San Francisco and the rehabilitation of the unemployed men and
women.

Bay Bridges.

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
The West-Bay foundations are completed except for twenty feet of
concrete at the top of the center anchorage. The East-Bay foundations
are completed. The San Francisco anchorage is completed and ready
for cable spinning. The steel work on the West-Bay has three towers
completed and the fourth 30 per cent completed. The East-Bay steel
work is 30 per cent erected. The tunnels have been holed through and
the concrete side-walls are now being placed. Progress is such as to
indicate the completion of the structure in September, 1936.

Golden Gate Bridge.

The Marin tower of the Golden Gate Bridge has been completed —
height 746 feet, and is ready for the installation of the supporting
cables. The south pier near Fort Point has just been completed and
contracts for the steel structure are ready to begin. This pier will be
completed in September, 1935, and the date for final completion has
been set for May, 1937.

Federal Projects.

The Federal building in the Civic Center is half finished at this
writing. Its cost is estimated at $2,500,000.

The San Francisco Mint, to be built at Duboce Avenue and Buchanan
Street, will cost $1,500,000, including the land. Plans are nearly com-
pleted in Washington. The architecture of the building will be of
modernistic tendency. In our metropolitan area, thirty Federal build-
ings, approximating a cost of $3,000,000, will begin construction by
June 1st.

Controller.

The source of the city's financial policy, management and control
is the Controller's office.

To Leonard S. Leavy and staff can be attributed in no small degree
the credit for the excellent fiscal condition of San Francisco, which is
primarily the product of his energy, ability and efficiency in protecting
the city's interests.

The budget for the fiscal year 1933-34 was balanced on a cash basis
despite the fact that revenues, as budgeted, were not realized. Taxes

(10)

were delinquent 4.96 per cent and other revenues 9.76 per cent. This
balancing of the budget was made possible through the provisions of
Section 86 of the Charter and the amendments to Sections 72, 80 and
81, recommended by the Controller, and further resulted in the elimina-
tion of the $810,639.30 accrued deficit in the general funds of the City
and County as of June 30, 1931, and created a balance in the cash
reserve fund of $2:,015,070.64. The resources of this account were as
follows: cash on hand, $225,927.64; cash advanced to other funds,
$498,013.28; subventions due from the State of California, $277,606.28;
delinquent taxes, $929,523.44; franchise taxes receivable from the Mar-
ket Street Railway Company for the years 1932-33 and 1933-34, $84,000;
total, $2,015,070.64.

The merit of our financial condition is unquestionably reflected in
the following tabulation of tax note sales and interest rates applicable
thereto for the calendar year ended December 31, 1934:

Date Interest Rate

1934 Amount Sold Per Annum

February 28 $1,500,000 1.5 %

March 28 1,500,000 .75%

September 19 3,000,000 .60%

October 24 1,500,000 .55%

$7,500,000

All of these notes were paid at maturity.

The tax collections as at December 5th last were delinquent 5.355
per cent as compared to 6.82 per cent at December 5, 1933. The pre-
paid second installment of taxes represented 3.2 per cent as compared
with 2.94 per cent in 1933.

Sections 65 and 69 of the charter, as amended upon the recom-
mendation of the Controller, should contribute to a more economical
and efficient performance in the future, in connection with the prepara-
tion of reports and annual budgets.

The Controller has organized the necessary audit staff in connec-
tion with the PWA performance and under date of October 16, 1934,
issued his manual of instructions on accounting procedure for PWA
projects. The first application for federal grant is now in course of
preparation.

City Attorney.

During the year 1934 there were 97 actions commenced against the
City in the Superior Court, and 67 actions in the Municipal Court.

The number of actions wherein the City was plaintiff was only four.
This is due to the fact that the majority of actions, wherein the city is
a party plaintiff, are actions in eminent domain, and during the past
year the city has been able to acquire such property as it needed by nego-
tiation, thereby avoiding the usual litigation incident to its acquisition.

At the present time there are more than forty actions pending
against the City, involving every known phase of water law. These
actions have been filed by individuals, groups, co-partnerships and
corporations, and all deal with rights of the City to divert water from
the Tuolumne River. The first of these actions, to-wit, Merridiam,
Ltd. vs. the City, was tried during the latter part of last year. At
the conclusion of the trial, the Judge ordered briefs to be filed by the
respective parties, which order has been complied with. The case will
be finally argued at Modesto during the present month.

In addition to the actions involving our water rights on the river,
there are many claims on file and several actions pending which in-
volve the rights of the owners of ranches and farms along the Hetch
Hetchy aqueduct to recover damages for alleged drying up of springs
and wells by the construction of the aqueduct. In some cases, it will

(ID

be admitted that the construction of the aqueduct was the cause of
the drying up of the springs; but, in most, the City Attorney contends
that the drying up was caused by the long cycle of dry weather, and
he is hopeful that an abundant rainfall during the present year will
restore the flow of water and thereby avoid the necessity of the City
paying damages in the premises.

Litigation concerning the reduction of gas rates is pending in the
Federal Courts and has been referred to a master to take testimony.
A decision in this case is looked for very shortly.

We have been particularly successful during the past year with liti-
gation involving accidents on the Municipal Railway. I am glad to
report that the amount of money paid on damage claims has been less
than during any year in the history of the railway.

It is anticipated that during the coming session of the State Legis-
lature much legislation will be presented dealing with tax and other
matters of interest to San Francisco. A representative of the City
Attorney's office will be in continuous attendance upon the session and
will promptly report all matters affecting the interests of San Fran-
cisco.

Municipal Courts.

In the operation of twelve municipal courts, 12,129 civil actions were
brought and 4756 small claim actions — a total of 16,885. In the crimi-
nal department, 76,794 proceedings were filed.

Expenditures total $166,736.17, and receipts $154,842.91, being an
excess of expenditures over receipts of $11,893.26, as against $28,051.70
in 1933. I note with satisfaction that this amount is less than half
the deficiency of last year, and commend the intelligent and efficient
manner in which the duties of all connected with this department have
been discharged.

Public Defender's Office.

Gerald J. Kenny, Public Defender, who was returned to office at the
recent election, has handled the duties of his office with the aid of
two deputies and one stenographer.

The total cost of the office for the year 1934 was $15,607.96. Persons
who received legal advice numbered 2985. The total number of cases
handled in all courts was 1206, with a total of 3367 appearances. In
the Superior Court 449 cases were handled. In the Municipal Court
655 felony cases and 55 misdemeanor cases were handled by the Public
Defender. The Public Defender also handled thirty cases in the
Juvenile Court and attended four coroner's inquests and 11 insanity
hearings. The affairs of the Public Defender's office have been dis-
patched intelligently and courteously.

Police Department.

Despite the hardships due to unemployment and unusual calls made
upon its rank and file during the last fiscal year, the San Francisco
Police Department has continued to deserve the high rank it has
attained amongst the departments of the country, and, in fact, the
whole world.

San Francisco still holds her unique low record in crimes of violence.
For instance, in a recent week, only three robberies occurred, with a
total loss of $7.50. Our City is more free from organized crime than
any of the larger cities of the Union. It has disproved the commonly-
alleged charge that organized crime blankets the entire United States.
An educational campaign against Communism, setting forth its tactics
and propaganda is under way as this message goes to your Honorable
Board. A School of First Aid, under direction of the Red Cross, num-
bers many graduates in the department.

Of 2251 persons reported missing, 2230 cases were cleared. Ninety-

(12)

nine per cent of automobile thefts reported, secured return of 3946
cars, a record for the entire nation. Robberies showed decrease of
more than thirty per cent as compared with the previous fiscal year.
The decrease in burglaries was twelve per cent.

It is gratifying to note that the total number of arrests, 69,300, were
exceeded in the year of our greatest prosperity 1928-9, by 43,089, when 112,-
389 arrests were made. This is a tribute to the orderly life of our citizens.

Total property lost by crime, $335,213.55; a slight decrease from
the previous year. In the Traffic Bureau, great effort has been put
forth to minimize automobile accidents and fatalities. The effect of
these precautions is noticeable in the reduction in the number of
fatalities in 1934, as compared with the preceding year: in 1933, there
were 124 deaths, including 11 children; in 1934, 106 deaths, including
8 children.

Radio-equipped cars now number seventy, of which thirty-one are
on radio patrol.

Due thanks are accorded the Board of Police Commissioners, Chief
Wm. J. Quinn, and the officers and men of the Department.

Fire Department.

A most creditable showing was made by San Francisco's fire fighting
forces in 1934. In the face of the most rigid economies, consistent with
due safety to life and property, the efficiency of the Department has
been maintained on its usual high plane. The figures to the end of
November indicate 7354 alarms responded to. Many of these came from
grass fires, due to an exceedingly dry summer season. Under the high
pressure extension project; of $2,000,000, passed by bond issue in 1933,
the first unit, on Potrero Avenue, from Alameda to 26th Street, is fin-
ished. Prosecution of other units awaits delivery of material. There
were several serious fires, none of which, due to prompt and intelligent
action, attained dangerous proportions. The Board of Fire Underwrit-
ers recognizes this Department's efficiency in that San Francisco enjoys
the lowest fire insurance rates of any city on the Pacific Coast.

First Aid training has been extended to all officers and men. Numer-
ous comments are received constantly attesting to the attainments of
those thus schooled. I review the record with pride and congratulate
the Board of Fire Commissioners, Chief Engineer Chas. J. Brennan,
the officers and men of the Department.

Civil Service.

I am happy to report that Civil Service has been strengthened and
rigidly enforced during the year just closed. The report for the year
shows 50 examinations completed and four in process.

There were a total of 18,078 applications filed for these examinations.
Of the 50 examinations completed, there were 2850 candidates actually
participating. Fourteen hundred and sixty qualified and now constitute
the lists of eligibles for these fifty classifications. In the four exam-
inations now in process, approximately 14,000 requests for applications
have been received.

There are, at the present time, a total of 313 active lists of eligibles
in effect. During the current year there have been 578 permanent certi-
fications and 1225 temporary certifications made by the Civil Service
Commission from these lists of eligibles upon requisitions of the vari-
ous departments. Emergency non-civil service appointments in the
absence of lists of eligibles to civil service positions have been reduced
to a minimum. Since the inauguration of the new Charter nearly four
hundred positions have been eliminated through the cooperation of
Department heads and the Civil Service Commission.

During the current year, this Commission has completed an exhaus-
tive report, covering its activities since the installation of the Charter.

(13)

Requests for copies of this report have been received from nearly every
university, research organization and technical library in America. The
Commission has had many commendations as a result.

The Commission reports good support and cooperation of officials and
employees. I am not unmindful of the laborious tasks which face this
Commission, and, to its members and faithful staff, I tender my high
appreciation.

Board of Education.

Dr. Edwin A. Lee, Superintendent of Schools, and the Board of Edu-
cation, were confronted during the year with several major problems;
the erection of two new schools, replacement of five obsolete schools
and major rehabilitation of four others, from the proceeds of a $3,000,-
000 bond issue voted in December, 1933, and the reconstruction of 16
school buildings to make these structures conform to provisions of a
new State law.

San Francisco has erected 55 new fireproof school buildings in ten
years. This is a record for fireproof school construction, unequaled in
America. Resumption of the building program was symbolized on
November 4th by breaking ground for the first unit of the George Wash-
ington High School, to be completed in January, 1936, to relieve present
overcrowded conditions existing in our high schools.

Reconstruction of 16 school buildings was made mandatory by a
State law (1933) embodying structural engineering knowledge gained
from recent earthquakes in Southern California. These repairs are
designed to render all school buildings proof against damage from
seismic disturbances. Eighteen school buildings, erected between 1908
and 1919, according to the then existing building laws, were recom-
mended for such repair. Sixteen of these buildings have been repaired
and all but two are re-occupied; the delay in these two being due to fires
occurring during reconstruction. Losses were fully covered by insurance.

Despite the loss of use of buildings under repair, the Department was
able to meet State requirements for minimum day sessions. This ar-
rangement guaranteed the state allotments of school funds to the City,
based on a minimum four-hour daily session for each child. The tax-
payers of San Francisco may well rejoice in the fact that San Francisco
has not impaired its educational program or reduced the days of the
school year.

Progressive measures, presented by the Superintendent and ap-
proved by the Board, during 1934, included a system of Sabbatical
leaves. Under its provisions, a limited number of teachers, who have
rendered more than seven years of service, are given one year's leave
of absence for study and travel. Under the provisions of the State
law under which these leaves are made possible, a substitute teacher
is employed with no additional cost accruing for salary. It should be
noted that the San Francisco Public School teachers are among the
best trained and the most highly certified of any like professional
group in the United States. Salaries paid are based upon the recommen-
dations made in 1929 by a Citizens' Committee appointed to study salaries.

Superintendent Lee has set as one of his first objectives, courses of
study so revised that no child shall leave the purview of the Public
Schools who has not been trained to do a work, chosen intelligently,
so as to be equipped for hire in the open market.

Mrs. Edwin R. Sheldon, prominent welfare worker, was appointed to
fill the unexpired term of Mrs. Ernest J. Mott, resigned. Renomination
of Philip Lee Bush as a Commissioner of Education was in recogni-
tion of valuable services.

Boards of Education in all parts of the nation have faced demands
for retrenchment. It should be a matter of satisfaction to our citizens
that here we have maintained our schools in the past few years with-
out impairment. This has been no easy task. I feel that it has been
well done by our Board of Education and I tender due thanks.

(14)

Employees' Retirement System.

The Retirement System included 11,116 employees at June 30, 1934.
During the fiscal year ending on that date, 149 members were retired
because of age or disability, and 109 members died. Many of the posi-
tions thus vacated were not filled. On June 30, 1934, there were 1510
persons receiving allowances under the Retirement System, this num-
ber including aged and disabled members retired from miscellaneous
departments and also retired firemen and policemen, and their widows
where death resulted from performance of duty. The administration
of the State Compensation Insurance Law, as it affects all City em-
ployees, is centralized under the Retirement Board in accordance with
the new Charter, instead of being handled by the various depart-
ments in which injured persons are employed. Reports of all injuries
among approximately 11,750 employees are made to the Retirement
Office, and claims are adjusted and benefits paid in accordance with
the State Law and Charter, the City and County acting as self-insurer.
The compensation insurance risk, connected with the Hetch Hetchy
employees outside the City and County, and Park employees, is in-
sured in the State Fund at the present time, except for medical bene-
fits. During the fiscal year 1933-34, 875 compensation cases were
handled under which either weekly benefits or medical expenses were
paid. Approximately 1300 additional cases were handled which were
not of sufficient severity to qualify for compensation benefits of any
kind. During the year 1933, the Retirement System invested, in round
figures, $775,000, net, in San Francisco bonds. The investments of the
Retirement Fund at June 30, 1934, totaled $14,311,000.

Assessor's Office.

Assessor Wolden indicates the 1934-35 grand total of assessed value
of real and personal property (non-operative) to be $1,024,352,227; the
1933-34 grand total was $974,435,443; thus, this year's total roll shows
an increase in assessed valuation of $49,916,984. This year, 1934-35,
in land and buildings, there was a decrease of $4,240,799, which, com-
pared to last year's decrease of $28,084,780, indicates a trend toward
stronger real estate values in San Francisco.

Despite an increase in functional responsibility during the past six
years, there has been a decrease in operating cost of 18.3 per cent and
a decrease in permanent personnel of 12 per cent. With the installation
of modern equipment in his office this year, Assessor Wolden expects
to reduce the operating costs of the office another 5 to 10 per cent
annually, and produce a higher standard of work and reports. This
year, Assessor Wolden is faced with more responsibility due to the
Riley-Stewart tax plan which for the first time since 1910 places the
operative property of utilities on the local tax rolls, subject to the
local tax rate. To Mr. Wolden and his efficient corps of assistants,
thanks.

Sheriff.

The report of Sheriff Wm. J. Fitzgerald covering business to Decem-
ber 1, 1934, showed: processes served, 28,655; auctions held, 247; and
evictions handled, 495, being 163 less than in 1933, the decrease due
mainly to organized relief extended to the unemployed. There were
transported to state institutions, 1072, an average of four each work-
ing day. In County Jails 1, 2 and 3, total number of prisoner days
served, 174,484, a daily average of 480. Subsistence and maintenance
cost per diem was reduced to $.21, a saving of .01 as compared with
1933. The Sheriff expects to effect additional substantial decreases as
the farm surrounding the new County Jails comes into full cultivation.

The new County Jail in San Mateo County was completed and oc-
cupied in September, $850,000 having been expended on the project,

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which includes separate structures for male and female inmates, and
its own water and sewage systems. It is hoped with the new set-up
to rehabilitate the prisoners physically, to raise their morale, and in-
cidentally, through their efforts in the fields, to materially reduce the
cost of their upkeep.

The Sheriff is to be congratulated in reducing the maintenance cost
of the inmates and in effecting other savings.

Public Utilities Commission.

The year 1934 has seen San Francisco's $156,000,000 municipal utili-
ties emerge into the most healthful condition in their histories. Their
outlook for the future is extremely bright.

Under the able direction of the Public Utilities Commission and their
manager, E. G. Cahill, there was launched during the year a $16,000,-
000 improvement program, designed to place water, power and airport
projects in first-class condition and provide necessary expansion to
meet increasing service demands.

Units of this construction program completed during the past few
months cost a total of $4,304,956. Work now under way under con-
tracts already awarded will cost approximately $529,753. Funds are
available for the starting of new construction costing $4,042,936, during
the coming six months.

Effective on December 1, 1934, 108,000 San Francisco and peninsula
consumers of the San Francisco Water Department received a reduc-
tion of ten per cent in their water bills, the first water rate reduction
in San Francisco in more than 30 years. The consumers will save
approximately $700,000 during the coming year. This reduction was
possible, less than four years after the water system came under
municipal ownership.

Another highly important achievement was the culmination of more
than 20 years of construction work in the first delivery of Hetch Hetchy
water to San Francisco, on October 28. This was made possible by
the completion earlier in the year of the 28-mile long Coast Range Tun-
nel, the longest and probably the most difficult tunnel ever driven by man.

Our Municipal Railway has continued its unparalleled achievement
of successful operation. Profits are growing. For public convenience,
the Commission, early in the year, offered to enter into a universal
transfer agreement between all car systems of the City.

A policy of gradual acquisition of street lights by the City has been
begun. This program already is saving the city considerable in light-
ing costs. Within the past month, a study of the City's need for rapid
transit facilities in connection with the two bridges has been undertaken.

San Francisco's outstanding success in its municipal utility enter-
prises has won the notice of the entire nation.

I refer briefly to the operations of our utilities during 1934.

Municipal Railway.

Revenue of the Municipal Railway has continued to increase. Oper-
ating revenue for 1934 amounted to $2,942,483, an increase of $159,344
or 5 7/10 per cent over 1933.

Net income was $150,000, as against a deficit of $95,000. No reduc-
tion of the high standard of maintenance heretofore in effect on the
Municipal Railway properties has been made. On the contrary the
sum of $370,000 has been spent for maintenance and reconstruction.

To improve the service on the Tenth Avenue cross-town line, three
new modern buses have been purchased. Service has been generally
increased on the system so that there were furnished approximately
20,000 additional car hours of service over the preceding year.

On July 1st the balance of the first two bond issues of the Municipal
Railway were fully retired, and on December 1st an additional $100,-

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000 of the Municipal Railway 5 per cent 1913 bond issue was retired,
so that there now remains an indebtedness of only $1,800,000 against
Municipal Railway properties conservatively valued at $10,000,000.

Over 76,000,000 passengers were carried. Street cars and buses
traveled a distance of nearly 9,000,000 miles.

Water Department.

The operations of the San Francisco Water Department continue to
demonstrate the wisdom of the people in voting to acquire and operate
its own system.

The most noteworthy event during the year in connection with this
department was the initial delivery of water from the Hetch Hetchy
system into Crystal Springs reservoir on October 28th, thus laying for
all time the spectre of a water famine which has arisen from time
to time to threaten the industries and the safety of the City.

The average water consumption for the year has amounted to
approximately 51 million gallons per day as compared with 49,329,000
in 1933. This increase in consumption has been reflected in an increase
of $231,630 in gross receipts, which amount has been augmented by
reduction in operation expenses amounting to $145,791 to show an
increase in net income of $377,421, a noteworthy achievement.

The Commission carried out its promises made to the people in
1933, and reduced water rates 10 per cent, effective December 1, 1934.
This is the first reduction in water rates that the people have enjoyed
in over thirty years. It will save the consumers approximately $700,-
000 a year.

Work upon the $12,095,000 construction program, for which bonds
were voted in November, 1933, is well under way. Contracts under
this program approximately in the amount of $5,000,000 are providing
employment and helping to reduce the burden of unemployment relief.

Lands for the new University Mound Reservoir have all been acquired
as have part of those for the Sunset Reservoir.

Major contracts let include the construction of the Bay Crossing Pipe
Line, excavation of the University Mound Reservoir; and numerous
extensions to the Pipe System throughout the City. Practically all of
the contracts for the remainder of the program will be awarded during
1935. The entire program will be completed by the middle of 1936.

Work under this bond issue includes most of the major items of the
Water Department ten-year program and will obviate the necessity
of financing the extensions covered by the bond program out of revenues
of the Department. This has made possible the present reduction of
water rates.

Financial results of the Department's operations during less than
five years of municipal ownership are most gratifying. During this
period the gross revenue from all sources has amounted to $31,970,588
with operating expenses totaling $19,744,538. The net income during that
period, amounting to $12,226,050, has been applied as follows: To Gen-
eral Fund for Reduction of taxes $2,336,229; redemption of bonds,
$5,105,000; additions and betterments to the Water System, $3,793,752;
surplus, $972,774; and other appropriations, totaling $18,295.

Hetch Hetchy Construction.

The past year marked the culmination of 20 years of effort when, on
October 28th, Hetch Hetchy water was turned into Crystal Springs
Reservoir. The 28-mile Coast Range Tunnel, the last link in the
aqueduct, has been completed. The work was done by the Hetch
Hetchy Department of the Public Utilities Commission under contract
and was completed well under the estimate at a saving to the City of
more than $1,000,000.

Pure water from the granite watershed in the Sierra is now flowing
through our 150-mile aqueduct into the City's reservoirs. An additional

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pipe line now being constructed across the bay will bring the capacity
of the bay crossing pipe lines up to 114 million gallons per day.

Enlargement of O'Shaughnessy Dam is expected to start early this
year. An 85-foot addition to the height of the dam will increase the
capacity of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir from 67 billion to nearly 114 billion
gallons. The benefits of this work, by enabling better regulation of the
flow of the Tuolumne River, will extend not only to the City in in-
creased water storage and power generation, but also to the irrigation
districts and others using water from this watershed.

In preparation, the Hetch Hetchy Railroad has been rehabilitated and
put in condition for hauling materials and equipment required. New
ties were placed and bridges and culverts were repaired, the labor for
the most part being furnished by SERA men without cost to the City.

A sad note in the celebration that marked the arrival of Hetch
Hetchy water at San Francisco was the absence of "The Chief," M. M.
O'Shaughnessy, whose death two weeks prior to the celebration pre-
vented him from witnessing the completion of the great work he
started. San Francisco's Hetch Hetchy Water System will always
stand as a monument to the genius of this great engineer.

Hetch Hetchy Power.

This year was a profitable one in the production of electric energy
from the power houses at Early Intake and Moccasin. Sale of power
for the fiscal year 1933-34 exceeded the estimates by nearly $300,000.
In January, about the time it was expected the production of energy
would have to be reduced on account of shortage of water, heavy rain-
falls permitted continuous operation of the plants at full capacity.
General shortage of water, however, resulted in the Hetch Hetchy Res-
ervoir failing to fill so that the outlook for the latter half of the year
1934 was not so propitious. There was considerable shortage of water
for irrigation needs in the San Joaquin Valley and it was only by
careful programming of the release of water, in cooperation with the
Turlock and Modesto Irrigation Districts, that the plants have been able
to continue at full capacity. Early rainfall considerably in excess of
the average makes the outlook for the winter months favorable.

The discharge from the Early Intake Power House was connected
into the aqueduct running from Early Intake Diversion Dam to the
Moccasin Power House so that it is now possible to utilize water from
Cherry River through both the Early Intake and Moccasin plants. This
results in an increased revenue of approximately $85,000 a year.

The flume which forms a part of the aqueduct to Early Intake Power
House has been in service since 1918 and has reached a point where it
is no longer reliable. Contract has been let for its replacement with a
tunnel through the granite. This will relieve the Power Division of
expense to keep the flume operating.

Upon delivery of water from Hetch Hetchy to San Francisco, the
Hetch Hetchy project changed its character to the extent that it is
no longer primarily a power production property and in operation of
the system consideration must be given to its functioning as a water
production enterprise. This will doubtless have some bearing on the
power output, particularly in years of shortage in runoff. At all times
it will be necessary to retain in storage sufficient water to guarantee
delivery of full capacity of the pipe lines into San Francisco.

Street and Public Building Lighting.

Street lighting has been badly handicapped during the year by
insufficient funds. This has necessitated the curtailment of lighting
in both business and residential sections.

The amount spent for street lighting during the current year is at
least 10 per cent below the average expended by similar cities for this
purpose. The budget for the current year was cut $14,000 in anticipa-

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tion of expending $234,000 on new lighting in the downtown district;
this appropriation was eliminated later. Lighting for the streets being
improved by the State Highway Commission had to be provided. In
the emergency the money was taken from the lighting funds making
the actual amount available for street lighting this year approximately
$55,000 below the amount in the budget.

At present there are 18,133 lights in service and 2,050 unlighted.

The street lighting survey undertaken by the Department will be
completed early in the coming year.

To simplify the handling of gas and electric bills for all Depart-
ments of the City, funds for this purpose were transferred to a com-
mon fund under the control of the Department; $986,000 was so pro-
vided. Over 1,000 bills are checked every month as to amount and
rate. Each account is carefully watched with the result that during
the year it has been possible to secure rebates to the extent of $1,500
through changing to the most favorable rates. Surveys are being made
of the various institutions resulting in changes making savings in
the cost of gas and electricity.

Plans and specifications have been prepared and contracts entered
into for the lighting of Potrero Avenue, Tenth, Bryant, Harrison and
Fell Streets in connection with the widening work being done by the
State Highway Commission. A considerable saving will result.

The Merced Manor Tract, lying west of Junipero Serra Boulevard
and south of Sloat Boulevard, has been lighted with 51 new standards.
One-half the cost was paid by the developer of the tract. This like-
wise results in a saving in annual charges to the City as compared
with company installation. I trust that in the coming fiscal year the
City will furnish the Public Utilities Commission with sufficient funds
to adequately light all sections of the community.

San Francisco Airport.

Despite a year of general upheaval in the aviation industry, due to
cancellation of all domestic air mail contracts, our airport has pro-
gressed steadily with its development program, and is today the lead-
ing air terminal of the Bay area. Approximately 80 per cent of all air
passengers, air mail and air express arriving in or departing from the
Bay region, is handled through this field.

The year 1934 began with four airlines operating in the San Fran-
cisco Bay area, all using San Francisco Airport as their terminal. Due
to cancellation and general depression, three of these lines ceased
operation. At the close of the year we find only one transport line
serving Northern California. This line, happily, serves all points on
the northern, eastern and southern airways. Our airport, therefore,
continues to offer complete service.

A comparison of passenger arrivals and departures for the calen-
dar years 1933 and 1934 indicates that the latter year shows an in-
crease of approximately 125 per cent, being roundly, 17,000 passengers
in 1933 and 38,000 in 1934. Approximate figures for other types of
cargo handled on this one airline during 1934, show that air mail
in and out totaled 30,000 pouches, and air express, 53,000 pieces. Trans-
port schedules arriving and departing totaled 12,800 for the year.
Schedules provide forty transport arrivals and departures daily from
the field. Privately owned planes based at the field number 33.

Our airport program includes several major projects: a modern
machine shop built at a cost of $14,000 and the improvement of the
administration building and hangars. CWA and SERA funds pro-
vided several much-needed physical betterments. Among these were
the building of a new entrance to the airport; paving of 60,000 addi-
tional square feet of the administrative area; and various improve-
ments in the electrical and drainage systems.

The widening of the field by extending its eastern boundary into

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the Bay, voted by the people in a bond issue of $260,000 began in
October. The reclaimed area should be available by 1936.

Considering the set-backs recited, the financial status remains ex-
ceptionally satisfactory. As the aviation industry continues to recover,
I believe that San Francisco Airport will reap its share of the rewards.

Rapid Transit.

Construction of the Golden Gate and San Francisco-Oakland Bay
Bridges is well under way. As these structures rise, there also arises
a demand for definite plans for adequate transportation to and from
the bridges, and for rapid transit within San Francisco.

The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge will bring into the City
suburban cars from the East Bay. The bridge authorities have pro-
posed a single loop elevated terminal centering on Minna Street between
First and Fremont Streets. The problems involved are intricate and
require wise and careful consideration. I have recommended and
your Board has approved that the Public Utilities Commission make a
study of the effect on San Francisco of these new entrances to the
City, together with the needs for rapid transit to offset the quicker
transportation offered in East and North Bay districts. To carry out
this work, $25,000 was appropriated. Our future welfare depends
vitally upon the plan to be submitted. A satisfactory plan should pro-
vide local transportation for transbay passengers, speed up service to
all quarters of the city, and, if possible, relieve Market Street from
much of its present congestion. It cannot be too strongly emphasized
that with the completion of these two bridges in the near future the
responsibility of rearranging our transportation system in accordance
with new lines of traffic flow must be met by the City and County of
San Francisco. Only by development and execution of an adequate
rapid transit system can San Francisco derive benefit rather than harm
through construction of the bridges. Such a project is vitally neces-
sary if San Francisco is to retain and enhance its position as the
metropolis of the Bay Region.

Office of the Treasurer.

The Treasurer's Office is conducted in a dual capacity under the pro-
visions of the Charter and the laws of the State of California. The
lines between a city treasurer and a county treasurer are clearly
marked by the mandatory provisions of the State law, and the treasurer
must perform definite duties without reservation under the provisions
of that law. The total business of the office, including cash received and
cash disbursed and interdepartmental accounts, amounted to $169,268,-
103.70. The National City Bank of New York is the Fiscal Agent of the
City and County and pays bond interest and redemption when due when
presented for payment at said agency. The Treasurer's office collects
the assessment and pays bond interest and redemption for the Islais
Creek Reclamation District, which is located wholly within the City
and County. The Treasurer's office is the custodian of the funds of
the Retirement Board of the City and County, which at the close of the
fiscal year amounted to $13,682,862.50. With a volume considerably
exceeding that of the last fiscal year, Treasurer Duncan Matheson and
his staff of 13, handled this important arm of the Municipal business
at a total cost of $41,000. In relation to the total volume handled, the
operating cost was three ten-thousandths of one per cent. This con-
stitutes a record not approached in the nation, I am assured.

Cash received during the fiscal year, $67,409,343.12; cash disbursed,
$69,484,708.12; interest earned on the deposit of public funds in banks,
$294,525.12; (amounting to slightly more than four cents in the tax
rate); coupons paid, 339,710, amounting to $7,643,468.75; bonds re-
deemed, 5214, amounting to $4,983,700; number of City and County
demands paid, 401,788; number of emergency relief demands, 865,216,

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cleared through the office; tax anticipation notes issued and redeemed,
$6,150,000; inheritance tax collected for the State of California, $639.-
512.83; commissions earned on inheritance tax collections, $7,477.09.
The returns for the State of California do not exactly correspond
with the fiscal year of the City and County, the terms of collection
being fixed by the State law, but it is practically applicable to the fiscal
year. Safe deposit boxes examined for inheritance tax purposes, ap-
proximately 1500.

Parks.

In spite of its curtailed expenditures, the park system of San Fran-
cisco with its many thousands of plants and its acres of greenery has
been adequately maintained through the past year.

While little or no funds were available for construction, improve-
ments and betterments, the parks proved themselves a fertile field for
the utilization of unemployed labor on Federal and State relief proj-
ects, thus indirectly aiding in City relief and providing additional
recreational facilities for increased numbers of San Franciscans now
using the parks.

Our "Uncle John" McLaren once more exercised his skill and
wizardry in transforming the slopes of Telegraph Hill from an unin-
teresting rock pile into a variegated carpet of verdure, and thereby
surrounded the generous and thoughtful bequest of Mrs. Lillie Hitch-
cock Coit with a proper setting.

This Memorial Tower on Telegraph Hill in the past year has become
a mecca for all of the art lovers of San Francisco, due to the unusually
successful efforts of the local artists in decorating the interior walls
and stairways with scenes of San Francisco activities, all of the funds
for which were provided by the United States Government. I have been
told that these are the first successful cooperative art efforts since the
period of the Renaissance — something that every San Franciscan should
be proud of.

The Aquatic Park Recreation Pier at the foot of Van Ness Avenue
has been thrown open to the use of the public and this modern, con-
crete structure is enjoyed daily by thousands of San Francisco fisher-
men. The Southern Pacific Company, at no cost to the City, has com-
pleted the work of the relocation of its slips and today the Aquatic
Park is a safe, enclosed harbor for the people of San Francisco.

The work of restoration on the Palace of Fine Arts has continued
and it is hoped that this magnificent structure will be completely
restored in due time.

The State Emergency Relief Administration forces are still improv-
ing the park system, and if these worthy projects are continued to
completion, many of them will eliminate costly maintenance and add
to the creature comforts of our park users. The people of San Fran-
cisco require no emphasis on the high character of service rendered
by the Park Commission and its efficient subordinates.

Recreation Department.

The Recreation Department, one of the principal character-building
branches of the city government, has been carrying on a constructive
program during the 28 years of its existence.

The attendance for the fiscal year 1933-34 was the highest in the de-
partment's history, namely 6,063,226. This represents an increase of
5 per cent over the previous year. Activities are provided for every age.
There are 75 recreation units under this department's jurisdiction,
representing an acreage of 306.104. The units are: 33 playgrounds,
19 schoolyard playgrounds, 7 gymnasiums, 2 open-air swimming pools,
1 mountain camp, and 13 playground sites.

New areas recently added to the department were China Cove, 6.04

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acres; former County Jail properties and land, approximately 20 acres;
North Beach Annex, .48 acres; Mather Auto Camp, 10 acres.

The department has cooperated with the Federal Relief Agencies and
has assisted materially in maintaining the morale of the men and
women thus employed.

For land and improvements in districts without proper recreation
facilities, I recommended the sum of $200,000 in the last budget. The
Board of Equalization saw fit to eliminate this item. I trust that it
will be feasible to reinstate this sum in the coming budget, that these
districts may enjoy equal opportunities with others, in these much
needed facilities.

The Commissioners and employees deserve credit for valuable serv-
ices rendered.

Board of Permit Appeals.

The court of last resort as far as permits are concerned, is the Board
of Permit Appeals, consisting of five members, which to date has heard
one hundred and sixty appeals. While appeals are not numerous,
nevertheless they are complicated because of the controversy encoun-
tered among property owners and merchants in the neighborhood in
which the applicant desires to locate.

The board has given most thoughtful consideration to such appeals,
with the endeavor to satisfy, as far as possible, parties concerned, and
at the same time observe the law. The Board also makes it a rule to
inspect all premises involving permits. Matters that come before the
Board are appeals from the decision of the Chief of Police, the Chief
of the Fire Department, the Director of Public Health, the Director of
Public Works, the Art Commission and all licenses granted by the Tax
Collector.

The Board is to be commended for the efficient and painstaking at-
tention they have given their work.

City Planning Commission.

A study of vehicular traffic problems pertaining to bridge approaches
of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge
is under way. The widening of Nineteenth Avenue from Sloat Boule-
vard to Lincoln Way, as recommended by this Commission, is about to
be undertaken by the State. A building setback line is to be established
by the Commission to prohibit the erection of buildings in the area to
be used for the street widening, thus saving considerable to the City
when the street is eventually widened.

Many conferences have been held regarding the approach to the
Golden Gate Bridge over the Presidio property to the south and west
of the Palace of Fine Arts. The Commission advocates this additional
approach and urges final action by the War Department to the end that
its recommendation be carried out.

Rapid transit in San Francisco is one of the greatest problems now
confronting the City. The question is of such magnitude, from engi-
neering and economic viewpoints that the Commission recommends
that the services of the best qualified expert obtainable be employed
for this study. The services of such an authority might save the City
millions of dollars.

Requests for re-zoning in the past year have been filed at forty dif-
ferent locations. Twenty-one were granted and nineteen denied. Action
of the City Planning Commission on eight of these applications was
appealed to the Board of Supervisors. In two cases only, action of the
Commission was overruled.

My thanks to the Commission for its earnest attention to these im-
portant matters.

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War Memorial Trustees.

The War Memorial of San Francisco, including the Opera House,
the Veterans Building, and the Court of Memory and grounds surround-
ing the buildings, established a memorable record during the second
full year of its operation, which reflects great credit on its Board of
Trustees, Managing Director and subordinates. The Opera House has
become the musical, operatic and cultural center of the entire West.
The past year witnessed the most complete opera season in our history,
and one comparing favorably with the operatic festivals of Europe. San
Francisco's world famous symphony orchestra rendered twenty-two
programs. Five were given under the direct management of the City
and County, under the auspices of the Art Commission. A season of
popular priced opera drew capacity crowds to the Opera House for a
period covering two weeks. Over thirty famous artist concerts and
lectures were presented during the year. The best known personalities
of the world have appeared in the Opera House and have bestowed the
highest praise on the building, for the completeness of its equipment
and its acoustical perfection. During October, Max Reinhardt, world
famous producer, staged twelve consecutive performances of Shake-
speare's great play "Midsummer Night's Dream."

In the Veterans' Building, center of Veteran activities, was seen a
continually increasing use of its facilities. From sixty to seventy-five
thousand of our citizens and many visitors, pass through the doors of
this building every month. Sometimes, twenty-five meetings are held
in a single day. A further activity of the War Memorial group of
buildings, the Art Museum to occupy the fourth floor of the Veterans'
Building, is expected to get under way during January.

Nowhere can be found a more fitting tribute to the veterans of Amer-
ica's wars, than these beautiful Memorial Buildings.

Art Commission.

Matters submitted to the Art Commission during this calendar year
for their approval, involve an estimated cost of $5,229,307. Total sal-
aries earned by the employment of artists and musicians working
directly under the supervision of the Art Commission involved an
estimated cost of $63,507.

An adequate approach to the San Francisco-Oakland Transbay Bridge
has been the largest and most important factor confronting the Com-
mission. This work has been in the hands of the Committee of Archi-
tecture, John Bakewell, Jr., chairman.

The Commission recommended to the Board of Supervisors that it
would be better for San Francisco, as well as for the benefit of the
bridge, if that portion extending from First Street to Fifth Street be
relocated to conform with the scheme advocated. The Board of Super-
visors passed a resolution endorsing the plan and making formal appli-
cation to the Toll Bridge Authority for necessary funds, amounting to
$399,000, for widening the San Francisco-Oakland Transbay Bridge
approach. The matter is at present before the Federal Authorities in
Washington, D. C, for approval and consent.

Next in importance, of the projects facing the Commission, was the
School Bond Issue, providing for the building of eight public schools
in San Francisco, to cost $3,000,000. The majority of the designs sub-
mitted were approved as submitted. Others have been dealt with in
a manner which promises the best results. This necessitated a great
amount of work on the part of the Committee of Architecture.

An important task facing this committee was the decoration of the
Coit Tower, under the Federal Public Works of Arts project, which
called for a series of 26 murals and frescoes (3691 sq. ft.). This gigantic
work, the largest of its kind in the country, employed 42 artists and
assistant artists. Salaries earned: $24,955. Other projects under the

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supervision of the Art Commission were the adornment and beautiflca-
tion of public buildings throughout the City, employing many artists
and providing remuneration in the sum of $7,627.

Realizing that San Francisco has produced a great array of noted
artists and musicians, the Commission is mindful of the musical attain-
ment of our people. As the first American City to support municipal
music, the Commission, under direction of the Music Committee, Hon-
orable J. Emmet Hayden, chairman, has continued to offer the finer
and better things in music at a popular price. Under the direction
of Molinari, Dobrowen and Leschke, there have been symphonies,
recitals, and broadcasts, with internationally-famed artists as soloists.
The Municipal Chorus attained a rare degree of excellence. This
prestige has brought material, as well as cultural benefits. Not only
has San Francisco received intensive advertising, for throughout the
world the City's musical endowments have been broadcast, but wages
to the extent of $40,000 from the budget of the Art Commission have
been paid to our musicians.

I believe the Commission has demonstrated that the aesthetic re-
sponsibility in art and music is no longer the haphazard, intangible
thing it was before the Charter called it into being.

San Francisco Museums.

During 1934 great advancement was made in the two San Francisco
Museums, the attendance having been substantially increased, with
over one million visitors to the California Palace of the Legion of
Honor and the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum.

Outstanding among the many important exhibitions held in the
California Palace of the Legion of Honor were the exhibition of
Italian paintings from the collection of Mr. Samuel H. Kress, and the
exhibition of French paintings which drew nearly three hundred thou-
sand people. Both enhanced the national and international prestige
of that museum. In November an exhibition of modern Italian paint-
ings and sculpture, sponsored by the Italian Government, was assem-
bled for San Francisco. Monthly exhibitions of the works of local
artists have been arranged, to which any qualified artist may con-
tribute. This innovation has proven to be greatly successful.

The M. H. de Young Memorial Museum's structural changes in the
building, and redecoration of the galleries, undertaken as a project of
the SERA, will substantially improve the present facilities, ren-
dering possible great enlargement of activities in the institute. Dur-
ing the year a considerable number of fine art objects were acquired
from funds available through the generosity of the late Mr. M. H. de
Young. Among the purchases are two excellent paintings by Paolo
Veronese, a beautiful stained-glass window from the 15th century, a splen-
did original paneled room from Southern France dating from the 17th
century, and various other fine pieces of European and Far Eastern art.

Educational work has included weekly lectures by members of the
Museum's staff, close cooperation between the museums and schools,
and the contribution by three staff members to weekly radio broad-
casts. The past twelve months indicate that these museums continue
to occupy a vital position in our cultural life. They are steadily
progressing to high rank with other great institutions of that kind.
I congratulate the Trustees and the staff members on the splendid ser-
vice they are rendering.

San Francisco Public Library.

The activities of the Public Library for the past year have proven
that it is a vital factor in the educational and cultural life of the
City and of inestimable value as a social agency during these un-
settled times.

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Circulation of books for home reading amounted to 3,871,731 vol-
umes and this amount does not include the inside reference and re-
search work, which would average about four million additional vol-
umes a year. Conservatively, nine million people came to the library
in 1934. The library has 472,450 volumes. In order to meet enlarged
demands made upon it, an additional amount over the preceding
year was allowed on the appropriation to buy new books and to bind
periodicals, newspapers and other important items.

The library system is composed of the main library, eighteen
branches and seven deposit stations. Through the cooperation of the
various organizations in the Visitacion Valley district, a small branch
library was opened. According to a recent report of the American
Library Association for libraries throughout the United States, our
library ranks second in circulation per employee; third in circulation
of books per borrower; and ninth in cost of volume circulated. It
can be readily seen from these figures that our library is distinguished by
the amount of work accomplished by each employee at a minimum of cost.

With the $10,000 bequest left to the library by the late Senator
James D. Phelan, a memorial room was opened and dedicated to his
memory. This room consists of a collection of the works of California
writers. The material on display at present is part of the collection
of original manuscripts and first editions presented by Mr. Albert N.
Bender, a member of this Commission.

Mrs. Gertrude Atherton, famed novelist, was appointed to fill the
vacancy caused by the lamented death of Miss McKinstry, who was a
member of the Commission for over twenty years. Her wide and in-
timate knowledge of books makes her an invaluable member of the
Library Commission.

Chief Administrative Officer.

During the past year the departments under the Chief Administra-
tive Officer, including the Sealer of Weights and Measures, the De-
partment of Finance and Records, composed of the Public Administra-
tor, the County Clerk, the Registrar, the Recorder and the Tax Col-
lector; the Purchaser of Supplies, the Real Estate Department, the
Department of Electricity, the Department of Public Works; the
Health Department, the Health Advisory Board, the County Welfare
Department, the Coroner, the Horticultural Commissioner, and the
Street Traffic Advisory Board, have continued to function efficiently
and more economically than in previous years, due to the fact that
there have been practically no replacements in personnel where
vacancies have been caused by death or resignation. Many notable
advances have been made in the Health Service and the needy sick
have been cared for more expeditiously than in the past. It has been
found advisable to increase the out-patient work and thereby relieve
the City of the burden of hospitalization to as great extent as possible
where patients can be properly cared for in their own homes by City
physicians.

The Department of Works has under construction projects aggre-
gating approximately ten millions of dollars on which employment
is furnished directly and indirectly to thousands of our citizens.

The policy has been adopted of favoring as far as legally possible
local manufacturers whose payroll is in San Francisco. The same
policy has been extended to the employment of consulting engineers,
architects, and similar professional assignments wherever the same
is practicable.

The Purchaser of Supplies has effected many notable savings due to
foresight and judgment in anticipating market conditions. Through
the Central Warehouse additional savings of similar character can
be made in the future.

(25)

Relief of the needy has been further systematized and additional
efficiency obtained in the adminstration of relief by the County Wel-
fare Department.

Traffic accidents have been materially reduced through the coopera-
tion of the Street Traffic Advisory Board with the daily press and
various civic agencies.

Garbage disposal has been carried on in a satisfactory manner
under the jurisdiction of the Director of Health and the City En-
gineer. A sanitary fill has been made at Bayshore and the numerous
complaints that were attendant on the operation of the old incinerator,
which has been demolished by the Department of Works, have been
eliminated. Two improvements in garbage disposal recommended by
the Chief Administrative Officer to the Board of Supervisors in April,
1933, have not as yet been acted upon. One of these recommendations
was to the effect that the sanitary fill method of garbage disposal be
applied to lands owned by the City and County of San Francisco in-
stead of on privately owned lands. This would create for the City
additional land values at the rate of over five thousand dollars
monthly. The second recommendation made in April, 1933, was to the
effect that competitive bids be called for making such sanitary fill
on City property. It is earnestly hoped in behalf of the City that these
recommendations will eventually be favorably acted upon by the
Board of Supervisors.

Cooperation with the Federal Government in the Public Works pro-
gram has been extended on every occasion with the result that the
people of San Francisco have reaped great benefits from the national
social relief program.

Periodical meetings of the department heads under the jurisdiction
of the Chief Administrative Officer in the office of the Chief Adminis-
trative Officer have promoted efficiency and cooperation and have been
of mutual benefit in instructing all as to the duties of the various
divisions of municipal business.

Department of Finance and Records.

This department embraces the functions and personnel of the Tax
Collector, Registrar of Voters, County Clerk, Recorder, and Public Ad-
ministrator. I have had previous occasion to admit the high apprecia-
tion in which Mr. Arthur Curtis, the Director of this Department, is
held. I commend him for his efficient and courteous attention.

Tax Collector's Office.

This office, which has included for the past two years the Department
of Delinquent Revenues, collected in 1934 over $30,000,000. The Asses-
sor's office turns over to the Tax Collector, in the early part of July,
his statement of uncollected accounts on unsecured personal property.
In 1934 this list was immediately turned over to the Bureau of De-
linquent Revenue, with the result that, out of a total due on such
accounts of $496,000, over $434,000 have been collected. This is a splen-
did achievement. Tax Collector Bryant and his corps of experienced
assistants deserve hearty thanks.

Registrar of Voters.

The Registrar of Voters saw a busy year in 1934. Besides two heavy
elections, unusually heavy duties claimed the attention of this Depart-
ment. Seventeen different petitions were checked, totaling 401,324
signatures.

Registration broke all records, showing a total of 312,867 for the
gubernatorial election, an increase of 48,354 over the previous year.
Re-registration, due to change of residence, ran to over 50,000.

(26)

We used our full quota of 1053 precincts for the primary election
and 1054 precincts for the general election, having created a new pre-
cinct in the rapidly growing Merced Manor district, west of Twin
Peaks. As an extra precaution in anticipation of a large vote, 222
additional voting machines were used in the thickly populated districts.

The primary election brought out more political parties participating
and a greater number of candidates than ever before. Our voting ma-
chines stood up under unusually severe tests at both the primary and
general elections.

Office of the County Clerk.

The County Clerk reports for the calendar year 1934 total receipts of
$116,449.18, an increase over 1933 of approximately $18,000. Mr. Mul-
creavy, through his long years of service in this important capacity,
has won the respect of all who have come in contact with him. The
conduct of his office has been such as to merit high approval of our
citizens, and I desire to accord him and his staff high commendation.

Recorder's Office.

Recorder Edmond Godchaux, highly esteemed dean of all our County
officials, reports receipts for the calendar year 1934, $103,106.40; sal-
aries, $83,869; giving a surplus of $19,237.40. The total number of
documents filed and recorded for the calendar year 1934 was 61,131.
During the year some 8200 official folios were copied for State, City and
County governments, and for use of war veterans and their dependents
in pension and compensation claims. Some 820 documents such as
election statements, United States tax liens and discharges of liens,
United States army discharges, etc., have been filed in the office free
of charge.

Public Administrator.

The Public Administrator shows the following data, representing the
business of his office from January 2 to November 15, 1934: number of
estates wherein the Public Administrator took possession, 215; number
of estates in which final accounts have been settled and allowed, 214;
administrator's fees collected and paid into County Treasury, $22,866.62;
attorney's fees collected and paid into County Treasury, $22,866.62;
total fees paid into County Treasury, $45,733.24; total cost of operation,
office, $29,020.21; profit, $16,713.03.

Mr. Philip C. Katz, the Public Administrator, notes indications of
improvement in the business of his office. I commend his economical
administration.

Bureau of Employment Registration.

As its title implies, the Bureau is for registration of unemployed.
It is operated by the Director of Finance and Records. It has been
operated without expense for personnel, all workers therein having
been furnished by either CWA or SERA. It has accomplished three
important things which have meant large savings for San Francisco;
wide publicity throughout the nation that only bona fide residents will
be employed on public works projects. Thousands have been deterred
from coming here by this warning. Many hundreds of non-residents
who secured work in local employments have been replaced by regis-
trants under this Bureau. More than five hundred representative em-
ployers adopted the policy of requiring new employees to obtain Bureau
cards, certifying their residential qualifications.

(27)

Department of Electricity.

The Department of Electricity, Ralph W. Wiley, Chief, continues to
function creditably. During 1934, the Department manufactured, in-
stalled and maintained fire alarm boxes, police boxes, and traffic con-
trol devices. Radio receiving sets were installed in 38 Police Depart-
ment automobiles and one set in a Department of Electricity car.

Fire Alarm System: There were installed 34 fire alarm boxes, mak-
ing a total of 1,455 boxes in service. Monthly tests of fire alarm boxes
total 17,338. Total number of signals transmitted, 50,023.

Inspection Bureau: Applications received, 13,136; inspections made,
47,064; installations approved, 13,764; inspection fees and other rev-
enue received, $36,926.14. Total expenditures amounted to $183,468.74.
This department has been most commendably administered.

Real Estate Department.

In connection with the PWA program to relieve unemployment ill
San Francisco, eight blocks of land are being acquired for the con-
struction of the Sunset Reservoir. Six blocks have already been pur-
chased for enlargement of the University Mound Reservoir. Under the
Raker Act, the Department of the Interior permitted the City to take
sand and gravel from 130 acres of land in Yosemite National Park for
use in making concrete to raise O'Shaughnessy Dam at Hetch Hetchy
Reservoir. Negotiations are now being carried on for the acquisition
of additional lands for a number of schools.

Two more parcels of land of the Angelo J. Rossi Playground site are
being purchased and final payment is being made for the Sigmund
Stern Recreational Grove property. The sum of $105,000 was paid for
the fifth parcel of the San Francisco Airport.

A number of parcels of land have been obtained for the Castro-
Divisadero Divisional Highway and various other street projects includ-
ing the widening of Army Street from Potrero Avenue to Bryant Street
All rights of way were secured for the widening of Mission Street
through Daly City. The department is now working on an appraisal
for a proposed rapid transit system.

In July this office assisted the Board of Supervisors, sitting as a
Board of Equalization, in passing upon requests for reductions in assess-
ments. Completion of painting and repairs at the Civic Auditorium is
proceeding under the SERA. Rental of City owned land and improve-
ments is handled by the Real Estate Department. Over $130,000 per
year is collected from this source. The department is handled in a
most businesslike manner.

Fleishhacker Zoo and Playfield is one of our prime attractions for
visitors from the outside. The Park Commission is desirous of securing
additional land, that our Zoo be second to none in the country. Land
adjacent can be had at a reasonable price and I recommend early con-
sideration.

For years, the Park Commission has had in mind the acquisition
of five 50 varas adjoining Lafayette Square. Construction of private
buildings on these lots would be a detriment to the park. They are
offered to the City at about one-half their original cost, payable on
lease terms over a period of years. I suggest consideration of this offer.

Department of Public Works.

The Department of Public Works, functioning under its ten bureaus,
during the year has completed many projects of importance and benefit
to the community as a whole.

There has been expended $868,000 out of $2,625,000 for the construc-
tion and extension of main sewers. The balance of this program
should be completed during the next calendar year.

(28)

Out of the $2,000,000 bond issue for extensions to the high pressure
system, there has also been expended the sum of $574,000 during the
year, and contracts are ready for the balance of this bond issue for
these extensions during the next calendar year.

During the year, Alemany Boulevard was paved from its intersec-
tion with Bay Shore Boulevard to a connection with the existing pave-
ment at the Mission Viaduct.

Sloat Boulevard was also improved, where needed, from Nineteenth
Avenue to the beach.

Following is a tabulated list of major improvements and the amounts
expended by the Department of Public Works during the year:

Schools, alterations, etc. — work completed . ..$ 855,982.74
School house bond issue — work under way... 1,320,159.00

Hospital bond issue — work completed 97,808.80

Hospital bond issue — work under way 668,774.00

Miscellaneous contracts — completed 9,403.50

Boulevard bond issue— work completed 1,822.94

Golden Gate Park roads — completed 23,448.00

County Road Funds — work completed 3,888.00

Street Improvements, assessment work com-
pleted 2,149.00

Street Improvements, assessment work uncom-
pleted 867.72

Sewer bond issue, 1933— work completed 107,378.24

Sewer bond issue, 1933— work under way 760,139.99

High pressure bond issue, 1933 — work under

way 574,317.51

Total work completed and under way .$4,426,139.44

In cooperation with other large California cities, and under the spon-
sorship of the State Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco has formu-
lated a uniform building code and recommends adoption of your Hon-
orable Board.

Projects Contemplated.

In my message of 1933-34, I recommended the widening and recon-
ditioning of Bryant and Harrison Streets from Fifth to Tenth Street,
Fell Street from Tenth Street to Van Ness Avenue, Tenth Street from
Division Street to Market Street, Potrero Avenue from Division Street
to Bay Shore Boulevard.

I note with pleasure that this work has either been entirely com-
pleted or will be within a short time.

With these streets reconditioned, a large part of the augmented
traffic produced by the bridges will be taken care of, but there are addi-
tional streets which will have to be reconstructed and widened before
the bridges are completed. Therefore, a program should be set up
which, over a period of several years, will completely recondition all
the streets leading to and from the bridgehead and the north of
Market Street area.

Lombard Street, leading from Van Ness Avenue and connecting with
the Golden Gate Bridge via Lyon Street, should be widened and im-
proved, at an estimated cost of $400,000.

Howard Street from Army Street to the Embarcadero should be re-
conditioned and widened, at a cost of approximately $200,000 as an addi-
tional outlet and inlet for the Peninsula traffic that would use the bridge.

Nineteenth Avenue between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard must
be improved before the Golden Gate Bridge is completed in order to
take care of the through traffic from the bridge and down the Peninsula.
It is estimated that to widen this street to 100 feet and repave it would
cost approximately $1,500,000.

(29)

Divisional Highway.

That portion of the Divisional Highway between Castro and Divisa-
dero Streets should receive attention during the ensuing year. We
have purchased over $50,000 worth of property on this unit, and it is
estimated that it will require an additional $55,000 to complete the
acquiring of the necessary improved property, and approximately
$70,000 for the construction. This unit is a worthwhile connection
between two populous centers of the City, and would make a fine traffic
vent and carry a large volume of traffic.

Laguna Honda Boulevard between Dewey Boulevard and Seventh
Avenue, because of the large volume of fast and heavy traffic that it
carries, is getting into a bad condition, and as it is one of the most
important thoroughfares in this portion of the City, it should be paved
during the ensuing year, at an estimated cost of $70,000.

Streets such as Van Xess Avenue from Market to Bay Street, Golden
Gate Avenue from Market Street to Van Ness Avenue, Front Street
from Market Street to the Embarcadero, Fifth and Sixth Streets from
Market Street to Harrison Street, should receive consideration as traffic
outlets.

Plans for a major traffic road crossing Golden Gate Park must be
developed and finished before the completion of the bridges. This
road could be so planned and located that it would in no way interfere
with either the utility or the beauty of the Park.

Geneva Avenue from Mission Street and Bay Shore Boulevard should
receive attention during the year. This connection between two heavy
duty traffic arteries is of great importance from a traffic standpoint,
the existing road being narrow and subject to many traffic accidents.

Department of Public Health.

At the beginning of 1935. we can statistically analyze the work of the De-
partment of Public Health for 1934 with other comments on previous years.

It is a source of gratification to me to note several facts, and I
cannot allow this opportunity to pass without commenting on the
efficiency of the employees of the Department of Public Health. Fur-
thermore, the record in regard to communicable diseases, with its low
mortality and the decreased mortality as a whole, bespeaks the scien-
tific application of modern methods of control and treatment of disease
by an enlightened medical profession.

In 1931, the general mortality rate was 13.03 per 1000 population.
This rate has steadily decreased, year by year, until in 1934 it was
11.6, approximately a saving of 500 lives in the comparatively short
period of three years.

The record on infant mortality is one of which we may well be
proud. In 1931 the infant mortality rate was 41 per 1000 live births.
For 1934 this has been reduced to 33 per 1000 live births and repre-
sents a saving of about 60 babies for the year. At no time has so low
a record been attained in San Francisco.

It is most interesting to note that the birth rate for San Francisco
for 1934 shows an increase, small as it is, over previous years. The
rate for 1933 was 10.2 and the rate for 1934 was 10.4. It is practically
safe to predict that such an increase will not occur in any other Amer-
ican large city.

In 1934 there were two epidemics of so-called minor diseases, such
as measles and mumps, neither one of which lends itself to modern
methods of control. The mortality, however, in these two outbreaks
was practically nil; therefore, the control measures were of some
avail. There was one epidemic of a major disease, Infantile Paralysis,
which definitely disappeared on application of all control measures
within a period of six weeks, only 122 cases, with 15 deaths occurring.

(30)

Nineteen-thirty-four marked the third year with not a case of small-
pox in San Francisco, of local origin. Last year showed one death
from typhoid fever and one death from diphtheria, which marks an
all-time low record for cities of this size, and perhaps will never be
exceeded by ourselves. It is the irreducible minimum. Quite remark-
able was the record for tuberculosis. There was a decrease of 158
cases over 1933 and a decrease of 28 deaths. The deaths from alcohol-
ism were lower; deaths from cancer were interestingly lower; suicides
were lower; automobile accident deaths were lower, our record showing
117 deaths. The only increase was in heart disease, which was com-
paratively small.

In our institutions the Emergency Hospitals took care of 67,000 per-
sons during 1934, an all-time high record. In the San Francisco Hos-
pital there were 12,293 cases treated; 7181 operations performed, and a
mortality of 1331 cases. The total number of persons cared for was
approximately 1000 per day.

In the Laguna Honda Home there were 911 admissions, of which 160
were ambulatory cases and 751 infirmary cases. There were 267 opera-
tions and 518 deaths. The total number of persons cared for was
approximately 2000 a day.

At the Hassler Health Home there were 93 patients admitted during
1934. The total number of persons cared for was 87 per day.

In summarizing this information, may I be permitted to again com-
ment on this truly remarkable record for the Department of Public
Health.

Juvenile Probation Department.

Chief Probation Officer R. R. Miller reports for the fiscal year 1933-
34 the following summary of activities: number of children who
passed through the Detention Home, 1848; approximately monthly
average of children cared for during 1933-34, 2418; cost from "Main-
tenance of Minors Fund," $561,341.08; approximate monthly average of
children in State schools, 93; cost of care for children in State schools,
$20,143.08. Mr. Miller's duties have been performed admirably.

County Welfare Department.

The County Welfare Department has under its care at this time 251
blind persons, the cost for their care for the month of October, 1934,
having been $8,201.66. Of this amount the State reimbursed 50 per cent
to the County.

The Half-Orphan Aid families number 421, and there are 981 chil-
dren in these 421 families. The amount which was paid to the mothers
for the care of these children in their own homes, October 1st, was
$18,127.16. Of this amount practically 55 per cent will be returned to
the County by the State.

The number of aged served during the month of October was 1551
and the cost to the State and County was $34,658.85. Of this amount
50 per cent will be refunded to the County.

The difference in refunds between aid to the blind and aid to the
aged and half-orphan dependents is the result of the difference in the
laws under which these three groups are cared for.

Through a somewhat increased staff the department has been able to
work to greater efficiency and serve its public better. Through the
establishment of group meetings in the three departments, Half-
Orphan Aid, Old Age Aid, and Blind Aid, there has been a still better
understanding and cooperation between the workers in the County
Welfare Department and the public. It is the aim of the County
Welfare Department under the competent supervision of Miss Eugenie

(31)

Schenk to render always the best service of which it is capable, and
it has the full support and confidence of the Municipal Government.

Coroner's Office.

The Coroner, Dr. T. B. W. Leland, shows that in the year just closed,
his office had 2314 cases, approximately 32 less than the year preced-
ing— Suicides number 216, 33 less than in 1933. Autopsies performed,
1703; inquests held, 2079. The Coroner attributes the decrease in sui-
cides during the past year to improved conditions. In spite of increased
volume, this office was conducted without additional expenditure. This
is one of the most economically run offices in our municipality.

Purchasing Department.

Report of Thomas A. Brooks, Purchaser of Supplies, for the year
ending December 31, 1934, shows expenditures approximating $4,900-
000— with a total budget for the Department of $28,466— an actual
cost per dollar expended of less than six-tenths of one cent.

This department purchased all materials, supplies, equipment and
contractual services for all departments of the municipality, the San
Francisco Emergency Relief Committee, and, during a portion of the
year, for the State Emergency Relief Administration.

The total expended shows a decrease from the previous year, but
the number of requisitions was nearly the same, due to the City's de-
sire to buy in small quantities during a period of wide price fluctua-
tions. The year's work shows increasing coordination and efficiency
in the operation and savings of the Department, especially in the
buying and accounting divisions, the City's repair shops, garages,
storerooms and central warehouse. Continued effort will be made
along these lines, in view of the Administration's policy of economy.
I am certain the City has obtained the greatest possible value for the
money expended. Mr. Brooks and his valued staff are doing a splen-
did job.

Agricultural Commission.

W. F. Carroll, Commissioner, reports a large volume of business in
this Department. Certificates were issued, numbering 5058, covering
fruit shipped to other states and to foreign countries, bringing fees
of approximately $6,000. Cessation of business, due to the strike, low-
ered these figures somewhat. Mr. Carroll recommends a survey of the
City and County for the control and eradication of termites. Since
July, inspection of fruit and produce delivered to city institutions on
contracts, has proved of great economic value.

First Aid.

Under direction of the American Red Cross, a total of 15218 certifi-
cates were issued to employees of San Francisco's municipal depart-
ments, who passed the standard course in First Aid and Life Saving.
Many also passed the advanced and instructors' courses. This training
will prove of incalculable value to our citizens and I wish to extend
thanks to Red Cross officials and those who prosecuted their studies
so admirably.

We have entered upon a New Year with courage and optimism. Let
us not falter in cooperating for every issue which will result in good
for San Francisco. I am sure you will be glad to cooperate with the
Executive Department to the end that San Francisco's eminent posi-
tion amongst world cities will be maintained.
Respectfully,

ANGELO J. ROSSI,

Mayor.

Annual Message

__———— o F — — ■— —

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

T O T H E

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF THE

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Eighth
Nineteen Thirty-Six

Annual Messacj e

O F

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

T O T H E

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF THE

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Eighth
Nineteen Thirty-Six

Letter of Mayor to Board of Supervisors.

January 6, 1936.
To the Honorable The Board of Supervisors, City Hall, San Francisco.

Gentlemen: Conforming with Section 25 of the Charter, I transmit,
herewith, my annual report of the municipal affairs of the City and
County of San Francisco. It is fitting to comment in general terms
upon the condition of our body corporate and to make such recom-
mendations as seem advisable.

The year 1935, although fraught with problems and anxietTes for all
our fellow citizens, as well as public officials, ended with a better out-
look for prosperity than we have seen for five years past. We are
enheartened by the fact that nearly all employable citizens have been
taken from relief rolls and placed on pay rolls.

San Francisco was among the first of American cities to answer the
President's call for projects in line with his program of constructive
rehabilitation, and I am proud that those submitted were approved,
practically as presented.

These projects, the cost of which totals $37,000,000, have been put
into operation. I must admit our obligation to the Federal officials
with whom we have had contact, financially and otherwise, in getting
our program into effect. The government has extended to us every
consideration.

San Francisco is making rapid strides on the return road from
adversity to prosperity. It operates on a cash basis and has for the
fourth successive year a balanced budget. It also has the lowest tax
rate and percentage of tax delinquency of any major city in the United
States. San Francisco's bonds continue selling at the lowest rate of
interest in our city's history. Our tax anticipation notes were marketed
at an interest rate as low as 1/6 of 1 per cent.

San Francisco's financial program has been accomplished without
impairment of governmental efficiency and we have been able to reduce
the tax rate from $4.04 in 1931 to $3.68 as at present, a reduction of
36 cents, with due recognition of the unusual problems of unemploy-
ment relief and other humanitarian activities. We have striven at all
times while conserving the taxpayer's money to be humane — not one
of our fellow citizens has had to go without life's necessaries. The
total expenditure by San Francisco for relief of unemployment for the
fiscal years 1931-32 to 1934-35, both inclusive, was $15,549,581. Cost
of other humanitarian activities has increased from $3,927,875 for
1931-32 to $4,976,630 in 1935-36, a total cost for the period 1931-32 to
1934-35 of $18,122,610.

The total allocations, grants and expenditures affecting the City and
County of San Francisco from various Federal sources, including CWA,
PWA, SERA, and WPA to the end of 1935 were $42,975,768.

The total assessed valuation of real and tangible personal property
subject to the local rate for the fiscal year 1930-31 was $801,770,075.
For the present fiscal year the real and tangible personal property
subject to the rate as assessed by the City Assessor was $725,884,001.
To this was added the real and tangible personal property as assessed
by the State Board of Equalization in the amount of $87,245,800, making
the total assessed value of real and tangible personal property subject
to the rate for the current year $813,129,801.

This is an increase of $11,359,726 in the rate base which is equal to
approximately 6 cents in the tax rate. We therefore feel, with the
tremendous burden of unemployment relief and other humanitarian
necessities, that in giving a 36-cent net reduction in the tax rate
between the years under comparison we have rendered a definite ser-
vice to the taxpayer, and all of this despite loss of revenue from various
other sources.

(3)

In addition as has been previously reported over a period of three
years next succeeding my induction as Mayor, the net budget for
current operations was reduced approximately $8,000,000.

Controller.

The Controller has continued his highly efficient and commendable
activities. His plans for this year are fully discussed in his report
in the appended message. In tax and legislative matters the Con-
troller's work has continued to prove of valuable service to all citizens
and taxpayers. Despite the fact that taxes were delinquent 3.3 per
cent and other revenues 15.6' per cent the 1934-35 budget was balanced
on a cash basis. The accrual in the reserve fund initiated by the Con-
troller now totals $2,570,103.

Departmental Surveys.

These surveys were agreed upon in 1933 so that the Mayor might
have a more intimate knowledge of the several departments; that he
might have authoritative information as to budgetary requirements
and necessities; that his recommendations might more readily evidence
the "executive budget" as required by the Charter.

There was and is now no suggestion that the departments or officials
or employments therein were to be disparaged or that their powers
and duties were to be displaced by or arrogated to any other branch
of the service. The main objective was to relieve the taxpayer, as far
as possible, by reduction of expenditures through increased efficiency,
the non-filling of positions deemed unnecessary and the adoption of
new procedures as an antidote to antiquated and conflicting per-
formances.

Hetch Hetchy Power Disposal.

Early in the year, Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes advised
me that, in his opinion, the method in which the City was disposing
of its hydro-electric power of the Hetch Hetchy project was in viola-
tion of the provisions of Section 6 of the Raker Act. Upon receipt of
this information, I immediately communicated with the Secretary by
wire, asking if the representatives of San Francisco might have the
privilege of conferring with him on the subject. The Secretary fixed
Monday, May 6th, at his office in the City of Washington, as the time
and place for the conference.

San Francisco was represented by Lewis F. Byington, President of
the Public Utilities Commission; E. G. Cahill, Manager thereof; Leonard
S. Leavy, Controller; John J'. O'Toole, City Attorney; Supervisors
James B. McSheehy, Jesse C. Colman, Franck R. Havenner; and Paul
J. Ost, Chief Electrical Engineer of the Public Utilities Commission.
San Francisco, through its representatives, presented its case to the
Secretary and on August 24th the Secretary announced his decision
in the matter, holding that, in his opinion, the method which the City
had adopted for the distribution of its hydro-electric power was a
violation of Section 6 of the Raker Act.

Shortly after, the opinion of the Secretary was given consideration
by your Board, and your Board adopted a resolution authorizing the
appointment of a Committee to deal with the subject-matter. The
Committee was composed of Supervisors James B. McSheehy, Jesse C.
Colman, Andrew J. Gallagher, Franck R. Havenner and Warren
Shannon.

Secretary Ickes, on August 24th, forwarded from Washington his
decision, confirming his opinion referred to above.

On September 3, 1935, by resolution of your Board, the Public Utili-
ties Commission was requested to submit methods of procedure for
disposal of Hetch Hetchy power.

On December 20, 1935, a letter was addressed to your Honorable

( 4)

Board by Manager of Utilities Cahiil, submitting four plans for dis-
tribution of Hetch Hetchy Power. Your Board, on December 28th,
requested M. Randall Ellis, Valuation Engineer for the City Attorney's
office, to submit to your Board a report on the four plans of pro-
cedure outlined by the Public Utilities Commission. Chairman James
B. McSheehy, on December 28th, asked that I confer with the members
of your Special Committee, in order that I might express my opinion
with regard to the four plans submitted.

On December 30th, I sent a recommendation to your Board, stating
that in my opinion Plan Four is for the best interests of our citizens.

The problem of disposing of Hetch Hetchy power is a complex one.
I trust the present studies will lead to a final and satisfactory solution,
one which will meet the requirements of the Federal Government and
also offer a plan of distribution which will be profitable to our citizens
and taxpayers.

Municipal Railway.

Revenues of the Municipal Railway have continued to increase during
1935. Notwithstanding that additional service has been given on a
number of the lines to meet an increasing number of passengers, the
railroad met its bond interest and redemption and is in a healthy
financial condition.

San Francisco Airport.

Our Airport witnessed, in 1935, the most important developments in
its history. The Pan-American Airways Company agreed to make its
Pacific Coast headquarters on our municipal field. The agreement is
contingent on the completion, within 1936, of a construction program,
begun by the Federal Works Progress Administration, to cost $1,675,000.
We must bend every energy to the end that a great marine air base
may be constructed within the time limit.

Water Department.

The Department distributed about fifty-two millions of gallons of
water daily, in 1935, as compared with fifty and one-half millions, daily,
in 1934. Water consumers saved $682,000 in 1935, through the 10 per
cent reduction put into effect December 1, 1934. Net revenue of the
Department for the year, about $2,328,000.

Street Lighting.

Persistent efforts of the Public Utilities Commission have resulted
in the granting of a reduction in street lighting rates, of over $100,000
per year. This permits reillumination of more than 2000 street lights.
Our per capita cost of street lighting is now less than $1, the lowest
of any American city. Three years ago, it was $1.33.

Rapid Transit.

The Public Utilities Commission has under way a study of rapid
transit for San Francisco. The plans are under review by a Rapid
Transit Advisory Committee, and shortly, its report is expected, em-
bodying recommendation as to construction and financing. This is a
highly important project, calling for diligent prosecution, to the end
that our citizens may obtain adequate, speedy transportation to every
section of San Francisco.

Traffic Fatalities.

According to a report issued January 1, 1936, by the Commerce De-
partment at Washington, San Francisco led all major cities in 1935,
as we did also in 1934, in the lowness of the number of traffic fatalities

(5)

per 100,000 of population. Our record, 9.5 in 1935, was lower, by far,
than that of any of the major cities listed. While this is a good record,
we must vigorously continue our campaign of education to reduce this
toll of precious lives, many of which are lost through reckless driving,
or carelessness upon the part of pedestrians.

Recreation.

This year's Budget included the sum of $166,000 with which to start
the establishment of playgrounds in various districts. As necessity
requires, I shall continue to recommend funds for adequate recreational
facilities.

Garbage Disposal.

After the lapse of approximately twenty years, the garbage disposal
problem has, in 1935, been settled with some likelihood of permanence
by the grant of a franchise to the Sanitary Fill Company for disposal,
by fill and cover method on Bay Tidelands.

The franchise contains a recapture clause, so that in the event any
improved method is developed, or incineration is so perfected as to
satisfactorily care for San Francisco's garbage, the City and County
may take advantage of such development.

Harbor.

The fate of San Francisco is inseparably linked with its harbor. Our
future greatness and prosperity depend upon the development and
operation of our greatest asset, our waterfront. San Francisco is one
of only two large cities in America not enjoying the benefit of local
control of its harbor.

As I observed in a former message, it is unthinkable that we should
not "possess the key to our front door." Our Charter provides in Sec-
tions 47 and 48, the manner in which machinery for local control of
our harbor can be set up: The appointment by the Mayor of three mem-
bers of a Harbor Commission, and their appointment of a Manager.
Surely we can give as good an account of harbor management, under
municipal ownership, as we do of other public utilities.

My administration warmly supported the fight for home rule for San
Francisco's waterfront. Our efforts were defeated. We are hopeful
that the next Legislature can be persuaded to do justice to our City.

Local Industry.

I have carried out to the limit of legal restrictions of the Charter,
my policy to favor local industries, manufacturers and merchants. In
every possible case, preferment has been given to our own taxpayers,
who maintain payrolls in the City and County of San Francisco.

The same policy has been adopted toward sub-contractors, even to
the rejection of bids.

New Industries.

Statistics show that there were 217 new industries established in
San Francisco in 1935, and 321 industrial expansions took place. This
indicates that industrial development, during the past year, has made
the best progress among established industries. Practically all manu-
facturers have experienced an increase in payrolls.

The advent of Hetch Hetchy water, the ten per cent reduction in
water rates and a contemplated further rate reduction are important
factors for securing new industries for San Francisco and making
those already established here more content with industrial conditions
in San Francisco.

The building of the two naval destroyers at the Bethlehem plant is
reported to necessitate the expenditure of a large sum, to modernize

(6)

this plant. The assurance of this investment has already been made.
I trust this may prove the forerunner of a revival of shipbuilding in
our port.

Labor.

I am pleased to report that prevailing rates of pay on all Federal
work in San Francisco are maintained. I have sponsored projects, on
which thousands of men and women are employed directly, with hun-
dreds more engaged in the fabrication of materials.

When difficulties arose between employer and employee, during the
past year, I was instrumental, in a number of instances, in bringing
the two together. I am pleased to report that their difficulties were
amicably settled. Whenever I can be of service, in such cases, I shall
be pleased to cooperate in any manner, tending to maintain industrial
peace in San Francisco.

All proposals coming to my attention, which mean work for fair
wages, have received my hearty endorsement and my most earnest
consideration.

Consolidation.

At the request of a delegation of prominent residents of the penin-
sula who visited me on November 21, 1935, with Mr. Arthur C. James
of Palo Alto as chairman, I appointed a committee consisting of Colbert
Cold well, chairman; City Attorney John J. O'Toole, Controller Leonard
S. Leavy and William H. Nanry, to investigate the subject of consoli-
dation of San Francisco and San Mateo counties. Before I would
recommend such a program it must clearly be shown that consolida-
tion would effect reduced cost of government generally, without re-
duction in efficiency and that it would eliminate overlapping func-
tions, authority and expense, and in no way add to San Francisco's
budget.

Other Departments.

Analyses of the activities of all departments not referred to herein
will be found in the body of my message together with further com-
ments on such departments as have been alluded to in this letter.

In closing, I deeply regret that we must relinquish the splendid
abilities and cooperation of those members of your Board whose offi-
cial terms of service have terminated. I know that their long expe-
rience in municipal affairs and needs will be reinforced by the desire
to continue their unselfish devotion to all activities for the public good.

Permit me to extend to the members of your Board who take their
places for the first time today, my sincere and heartfelt good wishes.
I also offer my hearty thanks for the consideration and loyal support
of my friends in the city government who have so ably and unselfishly
exerted their energies for the betterment of our municipality. I trust
that no act of mine, during the forthcoming term, will shake the confi-
dence so unmistakably expressed for my administration by the citizens
of San Francisco last November. Thus, I shall best express my ap-
preciation and gratitude. If we, as public officials, continue to recog-
nize and fulfill our duties, San Francisco is bound to achieve her
destiny in the front rank of world cities.

Respectfully,

ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor.

(7)

Mayor's Annual Message

Office of the Mayor, San Francisco.

January 8, 1936.

To the Honorable the Board of Supervisors, City and County of San
Francisco.

Gentlemen:

I am sending to your Honorable Board a statement of the affairs
of the City and County of San Francisco, as provided in Section 25
of the Charter.

San Francisco has reached an enviable position amongst major
American cities. In 1935 we continued to make creditable progress. I
know that your Honorable Board and all officials of the municipality
will work with the Executive Department, to the end that our beloved
City shall maintain the eminent position she has reached.

Radio Broadcasts.

For nearly three years past I have, from my office in the City Hall
broadcasted weekly messages concerning the actual functioning of the
various departments of the municipality over Station KGO by cour-
tesy of the National Broadcasting Company.

I have received hundreds of letters, testifying to the interest of
my fellow-citizens in this series, and am pleased at the continued inter-
est shown by the public in these broadcasts. The information that is
thus brought by me and my fellow-officials to radio listeners, has given
them an intimate acquaintance with the manner in which their City
is administered. Ours was the first major city to take advantage of
radio, in disseminating such data. I wish to acknowledge our high
obligation to Mr. Don Gilman, vice-president of N. B. C, for his
courteous cooperation, which has been rendered entirely without cost
to us.

Relief.

From the beginning of the calendar year until the middle of May the
County Relief Committee, appointed by me, handled the entire problem
of relief in San Francisco, incurring expenditure of Federal, State
and local funds. At that time, to quote from a letter received from
Mr. Ralph B. Jenny, Chairman of the State Relief Commission: "The
State Commission felt that a dual responsibility, covering relief of
unemployables and relief of distress due to unemployment, was incom-
patible with public policy."

This left to the Committee the difficult task of caring for the un-
employables. This Committee, comprising Mr. Florence McAuliffe,
chairman; Mr. Guido J. Musto, Mr. J. P. Rettenmayer, Miss Ruth
A. Turner, Mr. Edward D. Vandeleur, with Mrs. Eugene Prince head-
ing the Family Relief Committee, appointed Miss Lucille Henry the
Director of Relief.

The definition of unemployability presented two problems to the
local Committee; first, that our local taxpayers be not compelled to
bear more than their just share of the cost of relief and second, and
more important, the social problem of not branding a large group of
people as permanently unemployable, who, through medical care and
mental hygiene, might be rehabilitated and reestablished in normal
community life, when economic conditions improve. That the Com-
mittee has met this task well is borne out by the figures. When first
this classification of unemployables was created by the Federal Gov-
ernment, the number of cases, as of May 1, 1935, was 3099. By strict

(8)

standards of eligibility and great care exercised in the social investi-
gation, this load was reduced to 2372 cases, as of December, 1935.

The Committee has recognized at all times two major principles;
first, that only those deserving and eligible for relief under our state
and county laws should receive it, and second, that relief should be
adequate and humane for those of our citizenry who, through no fault
of their own, are dependent upon public assistance. With this second
principle in view, the County Committee instituted a budget for these
families which includes shelter, food, utilities, clothing and sundries.

Wherever shelter has to be provided from City funds, the checks are
made payable jointly to the landlord and recipient, so that our small
property owners are not penalized by having relief clients as their
tenants.

By the adoption of a policy, fair to all, which provides one of the
most adequate relief standards in the country, the expenditure for
county relief dropped from $84,930 in May, 1935, to $70,386 in Novem-
ber, 1935. This astonishingly good record has been achieved through
careful social case work, by which every effort has been made to dis-
cover all available resources and to seek a solution of the client's prob-
lems, outside of public charity.

With the creation of the WPA program and the effort being made
throughout the nation to liquidate the SERA, the problems of the future
loom large for all local communities. There is, however, one fact
which is certain and that is that the administration of relief can no
longer be considered an emergency function of government, but must be
set up under some form of permanent organization. It is my intention,
in the immediate future, to submit, with the concurrence of the Chief
Administrator, to your Honorable Board, an ordinance which will give
the present Emergency Relief Committee the status of a Public Welfare
Commission. This will enable the Committee to plan for the future,
and to negotiate more satisfactorily with the State Relief Adminis-
tration as to San Francisco's share in the State and Federal relief
funds.

I would be remiss in my duty as Mayor of our City if I did not pub-
licly acknowledge the wonderful assistance rendered us by our fellow-
townsman, George Creel, who, because of his intimate knowledge of
Federal affairs at Washington, worked unceasingly to bring to a suc-
cessful outcome the splendid program we have achieved. To the ever-
present courtesy and cooperation of Frank Y. McLaughlin, State Admin-
istrator, WPA, and his able corps of assistants, I beg to extend my
heartfelt thanks.

Early in the year, the Congress of the United States appropriated
$4,800,000,000 for the purpose of taking the citizens of the nation off
relief and putting them on a works program. The President was given
extraordinary powers to put this program into effect. Each city and
community was requested to prepare a works program, having for its
basis the employment of all citizens who were on relief and eligible
for employment. In accordance with the President's executive order,
I, by authority of your Honorable Board, sponsored a list of projects,
under the able supervision of Assistant City Engineer Clyde Healy,
and forwarded it to the Works Progress Administration at Washington,
the total sum being approximately $37,000,000.

The program was approved, virtually, as presented. It consists of
the rehabilitation of most of our public buildings, the reconstruction
and repair of many of our most important streets, the building and
rebuilding of boulevards, the construction of recreational centers on
lands previously purchased under my administration, the improvement
of our public parks and squares and the setting up of sundry technical
and professional projects, looking to the employment of what we com-
monly term "white collar" men and women.

San Francisco's program also includes grants from the Federal Gov-
ernment to assist in the building of the San Francisco Bay Bridge

(9 )

Exposition, on the shoals north of Yerba Buena Island. The total
amount of these grants, including the pledge of the Exposition Cor-
poration, is $9,647,000. With these Federal grants, San Francisco and
the Bay region will be assured of an Exposition, in dignity and keep-
ing with similar enterprises of the past, here and in other world
centers.

I am happy to announce that nearly all citizens of San Francisco,
eligible under the Works Progress Administration, are now engaged
in gainful occupation of a character commensurate with their abilities
and previous business and professional training. San Francisco, at
this time, is the only one of the Pacific Coast municipalities which has
been able to comply fully with the Federal program. The morale of
those affected has been admirably maintained and the added payrolls
are giving great stimulus to all local business interests and enter-
prises.

Bay Bridges.

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

San Francisco is built on the end of a peninsula, extending along
the Coast and is thus, by nature, isolated from the mainland, save
for one connection at the south, adjoining San Mateo County. Thus,
it has been necessary to enter San Francisco by boat at two of its three
gateways. How much this situation has held back San Francisco's
growth is difficult to estimate.

Now, however, two great bridges are about to end San Francisco's
isolation. After these bridges are opened and allow the public in
and out of San Francisco on the north and on the east without inter-
ruption, the next great barrier which we must attack is the elimination
of tolls. These tolls are tariffs against San Francisco's growth; and,
for that matter, the growth of California, because free circulation of
travel is necessary for the growth of a commonwealth.

The $77,600,000 San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, on which ground
was broken July 9, 1933, has now been under construction two years
and a half, and before nine months more have elapsed, or a total
construction time of three years and three months, the California Toll
Bridge Authority expects to open the highway portion of this bridge.

At the beginning of the year 1935, the entire substructure or under-
water portion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge had been
completed, and in the West Bay, three of the four steel towers had been
erected and the fourth was just being started. The huge center an-
chorage in the West Bay was up to half its present height. In the
West Bay, the 14 deck truss spans that bring the bridge down gradu-
ally to ground level in the Oakland tide lands had been built and the
500-foot through truss spans were soon to be started.

Since then, five 500-foot double deck through truss spans have been
built. Both the East and West anchor arms of the world's third
longest cantilever span have been erected and now the derricks are
beginning the delicate task of erecting unsupported steel out over
this quarter-mile expanse of water.

The scientific world is interested in the cantilevering out of this
huge double-deck span whose ends, according to schedule, will meet
in the middle within a few months, if engineering expectations are
realized.

A tunnel of such bore that a four-story building could be passed
through it, upright, is completed through Yerba Buena Island and
lined with concrete.

Approaches which will give San Francisco its first elevated high-
ways are now taking form between Harrison and Bryant Streets and
on Rincon Hill. These approaches were financed out of State High-
way funds and Federal aid, allotted by act of the State Legislature.
To date, there has been expended on this bridge and its approaches,
approximately $40,000,000.

( 10 )

All San Franciscans will join in my commendation of the splendid
service rendered by The California Toll Bridge Authority, Earl Lee
Kelly, Director of Public Works of the State of California, Chief En-
gineer Charles E. Purcell and all who played a part in this great
project. Their efforts will be long remembered by all loyal Cali-
fornians.

Golden Gate Bridge.

Progress on the Golden Gate Bridge has also been rapid. With
spinning operations proceeding at top speed, the wire strands that
will make up the two thirty-six and one-half inch supporting cables
will be finished by June 1, it is reported. This bridge, which will cost
$27,165,000 and will open to traffic by May 1, 1937, is now 60 per cent
completed.

It was begun in December, 1932. Its Chief Engineer, Joseph B.
Strauss, states it will be the most monumental structure in the world
of its kind, not only from the standpoint of height and length, but afeo_
as to the beauty of its architectural design. L&yjCCf' nvt

It will be the longest single span bridge in the world, Ewtmy-fowr-
hundred feet from center to center of the piers and seven hundred
feet longer than the second longest, the George Washington Bridge.

Our thanks to the Directors of the Golden Gate Bridge and High-
way District, Chief Engineer Strauss, his excellent staff and all others
engaged in this great undertaking.

Federal Projects.

San Francisco's new Federal Building, in the Civic Center, will be in
use by April first. Its cost will exceed $2,750,000.

The world's most modern Mint, at Duboce Avenue and Buchanan,
will be completed by December first, at a cost of over $1,000,000. The
completion of this splendid structure will give impetus to the removal
of an unsightly mass of rocks, and the construction of creditable build-
ings, in their place.

Controller.

During the past year the office of the Controller, under the provisions
of our Charter, continued its highly constructive performance. The
Controller has discussed with me his plans for a continuation of its
studies and creative recommendations.

The personnel survey, recommended by the Controller June 6, 1933,
is well under way. Certain of the procedures established, such as those
in connection with traffic tags, tuberculosis subsidy, and commitments
to the Sonoma State Home, have not alone contributed to a greater
operating efficiency, but also have increased revenues.

The Controller has pointed out to me that if full benefits are to be
derived from certain recommended procedures, enforcing legislation
will have to be enacted.

On the recommendation of our Controller, your Board, by Resolution
No. 1338, established a Tax and Legislative Committee, to protect the
interests of and to provide proper representation for San Francisco, in
connection with tax revisions that were to take place as of January 1,
1935, under various constitutional provisions; to analyze the effect on
San Francisco of the various measures of the Fifty-first Session of the
California Legislature, and to cooperate generally with San Francisco's
representatives in the State Legislature.

As a member of this Committee, I must say that its work has proved
a valuable contribution of service to our citizens and taxpayers. This
Committee, as continued for the interim between legislative sessions,
is essential in view of the possibility of an emergency session of the
California Legislature.

The Controller, in his annual report, acknowledged the cooperation
of our representatives in the State Legislature; the representatives

(11)

of our many sister cities and counties; the members of your Honorable
Board, and the various department heads, who gave so much of their
time and service to the Committee.

Pursuant to the Controller's request, your Board, by Resolution 2306,
has authorized me, and I have appointed a Committee consisting of
Francis V. Keesling, William H. Nanry, Controller Leonard S. Leavy,
City Attorney John J. O'Toole, the President of your Board, and the
chairmen of the Supervisors' Finance and Judiciary Committees to
undertake a study of the Charter fiscal mandates and the conflicts in
Charter provisions and the Constitution of the State of California, to
the end that proper authority for the control of certain items included
in the mandates of these instruments be placed under the jurisdiction
of those charged with the responsibility of legislation and administra-
tion, and that existing conflicts in law be eliminated.

It is hoped that, as a result of the work of this Committee, measures
will be initiated and approved which will enable us to make a further
reduction in the cost of government.

The budget for the fiscal year 1934-35 was balanced on a cash basis,
despite the fact that taxes were delinquent 3.3 per cent and other
revenues 15.6 per cent. The resources of the cash reserve fund, which
was created under amendments to Sections Nos. 80 and 81 of the
Charter, initiated by the Controller, now total $2,570,103.40. Cash loans
from this fund made possible contractual performance under 1935 PWA
grants. The merit of our financial condition is unquestionably reflected
in the rates of interest quoted to us on tax anticipation notes and in
connection with the sale of our bonds, as well as in the excellent
publicity San Francisco has been receiving in the financial newspapers
throughout the country.

My thanks to Controller Leonard S. Leavy and his valued corps of
assistants for the splendid record they continue to maintain.

City Attorney.

The report of the City Attorney for the calendar year shows that
nine hundred and seven actions were commenced against the City:
Superior Court, City and County of San Francisco — 794; Municipal
Court — 102; United States Court — 3; other jurisdiction — 8.

In addition to these cases, there are pending fifty-two, involving the
Hetch Hetchy water project. Only one of these cases has been brought
to trial, to-wit, Meridian, Limited v. City and County of San Francisco.
In this case the court has announced its decision sustaining plaintiff's
riparian right. The formal judgment is now in the course of prepara-
tion. In due time an appeal will be taken. The remaining cases affect-
ing the City's water rights on the Hetch Hetchy will undoubtedly be
brought to trial during the present year.

One rate case is pending, dealing with rates for natural gas, before
the United States District Court.

Recent reduction of rates for electricity made by the Pacific Gas
and Electric Company has, for the time being, ended any necessity
for rate litigation on this subject. Our rate engineers are studying the
effect of these rates and when sufficient time elapses to show their effect,
a report will be made as to whether it will be possible to obtain further
reduction.

Litigation involving the right of the Market Street Railway Com-
pany to operate the so-called "one-man cars" in San Francisco was
tried before a special master appointed by Judge Louderback. The
master announced his decision to the effect that our ordinance requiring
that a street car should be in charge of a motorman and a conductor
was unconstitutional. The master has not submitted his findings to
the court. When he does we will argue the matter before the court
and if the decision is against us, the City Attorney will advise an
appeal.

The increased number of cases commenced by the City during the

( 12)

past year is due to the many cases instituted to recover taxes paid
under protest, upon the ground that in our 1934-35 expenditures we
exceeded the five per cent limitation provided by Section 20 of Article
XIII of the Constitution. One of these cases is now in the course of
trial in the Superior Court. It will undoubtedly be carried to the
Supreme Court and its final determination by that court will practi-
cally determine the other pending cases.

A prolific source of litigation against the city is the claims arising
from injuries sustained by pedestrians falling on broken sidewalks.
In this regard I would recommend the utmost diligence on the part of
the Director of Public Works in compelling property owners to repair
damaged walks in front of their property.

Claims based on damages sustained by reason of the operation of
municipally-owned automobiles are also the cause of much litigation.
Where the damage is serious some of these claims run into large
amounts and are a serious liability to the City. The City Attorney
recommends that a proper amount be included in the budget estimate
for the coming fiscal year, so that funds would, to some extent, be
available to compromise claims where there is no question as to the
liability of the City and when a reasonable settlement can be made.

The number of claims filed during the past year, exclusive of those
filed against the Municipal Railway, was one hundred and thirty.
Ninety-two of these were based on sidewalk accidents, the remaining
thirty-eight being divided among all of the other municipal depart-
ments, most of them arising from automobile accidents.

Claims against the Municipal Railway are investigated by its Claims
Department in a most efficient manner, but when it comes to investiga-
tion of claims arising in other departments, the office of the City Attor-
ney has had great difficulty in ascertaining the facts relative to many
of these claims, for the reason that it has not, nor have any of the
other departments, a skilled investigator who can be sent to gather
the necessary facts to enable the City to make the proper defense to
the claims. The City Attorney also recommends that a Claims Investi-
gation Bureau be formed, which would take over the personnel and
duties of the present claims bureau of the Municipal Railway and then
add to that personnel the necessary employees to permit the investiga-
tion of claims arising in other departments. The added personnel
would be small, but he believes that such a bureau would greatly
reduce the amounts finally paid on these claims, either in compromise
or on judgment.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the
splendid services rendered by this Department, under the able leader-
ship of John J. O'Toole. His office, considering the vast amount of
litigation and the manner in which it is handled, is conducted at an
exceedingly low cost, for which we are deeply indebted to him and his
excellent staff.

Municipal Court.

In twelve Municipal Courts, 12,082 civil actions were brought and
22,753 small claims actions — a total of 34,835, in comparison with 16,885
reported in the 1935 message. In the criminal department, 84,249 pro-
ceedings were filed, as against 76,794 in 1934. This report is for the
period, January 1 to December 1, 1935.

Receipts totaled $174,580.81, with expenditures $192,744.03, the excess
of expenditures over receipts having been $18,163.22. The added de-
ficiency this year is accounted for by the great excess of cases handled,
and the large number of official and pauper actions filed, for which no
fees are collected.

The duties of those attached to the Municipal Court have been dis-
charged most satisfactorily.

(13 )

Office of the Public Defender.

The office of Public Defender is conducted by Gerald J. Kenny, Pub-
lic Defender, assisted by two deputies and one clerk-stenographer, the
total cost of the office for the past year having been $16,632.46.
Persons who received legal advice numbered 2990. The total number of
cases handled in all courts was 1097, with a total of 2173 appearances.
In the Superior Court, 488 cases were handled. In the Municipal Court,
562 cases were handled by the Public Defender. The Public Defender
handled also 36 cases in the Juvenile Court, attended two coroner's
inquests and 11 insanity hearings.

The Public Defender and his staff deserve commendation for the
satisfactory manner in which their duties have been carried out.

Police Department.

During the past year perfect cooperation has been accorded to each
of the various departments of our city government, with a view of
rendering the most efficient service to all of the citizens of the City and
County of San Francisco.

Our Police Department is outstanding in the matter of modern im-
provements, designed for the suppression of crime and the arrest of
criminals. During the past year, through cooperation of my office and
your Board, funds have been made available to enable our police to
keep abreast of the most modern criminal defensive equipment.

The number of robberies and crimes of violence still remains at a
low minimum, considering the fact that San Francisco is one of the
largest seaport cities in the world, and that its population is outstand-
ingly cosmopolitan.

Bank holdups, though very common throughout the United States
since the advent of the depression, are of rare occurrence here, and
such cases as have occurred have been quickly and efficiently cleared
off the record by arrest and conviction of the criminals, as evidenced
this year by the effective capture of the Stevens gang. Organized crime
has never found a foothold.

The traffic problem demands keen attention. Our night traffic service
is one of the main factors in keeping traffic accidents and deaths at a
low minimum. This is effected through persistent drives in various
parts of the city — especially at dangerous crossings and during the
night hours. Through this continuous vigilance, reckless driving
during the night hours has been greatly curbed.

At my request, Chief Quinn sent me a report of hazardous inter-
sections and locations wherein bulkheads, proper signals, safety lights
and other improvements to lessen automobile accidents can be fur-
nished. Every safeguard tending to curtail the dreadful toll of death
and injury in traffic must be provided with the least possible delay.

The Police School cf Instruction has functioned during the entire
fiscal year. Cooperating with the School Department, in checking up
on truants, a voluntary organization within the police department
called the "Big Brother Movement" has handled with splendid results
very many cases of wayward school children. The members of the Big
Brother Movement attend to such cases on their time off regular duty.

The following figures are interesting: sick and injured persons taken
to hospitals, 5404; insane persons handled, 208; lost children restored
to parents, 255; missing persons located, 2234.

The photograph gallery, criminal investigation laboratory and Bu-
reau of Identification show a volume of work probably outstanding in
the entire country. From fingerprints and photographs our Bureau of
Identification made 7002 identifications. At the present time in the
Bureau of Identification, there are 326,412 photographs and 199,137
fingerprints on file, thus making our collection one of the most com-
plete in the world.

(14)

Property valued at $162,430.23 was recovered during the past fiscal
year. Persons fined for traffic violations numbered 41,401.

Out of 3690 automobiles reported stolen, 3639 were recovered, a
fine record.

The morale of the Department was upheld. I feel that the present
cooperation between this Department and other units of our city ser-
vice will continue and thus enable the San Francisco Police Depart-
ment to continue to be classed as equal to the best in the United
States.

To the Police Commission, Chief of Police Wm. J. Quinn and the
Department in general, I wish to express my gratitude for service
notably performed.

San Francisco Fire Department.

The San Francisco Fire Department has again, during the year 1935,
made us all proud of its achievements; and, maintaining its usual fine
record of promptness and efficiency, continues to merit our full
confidence.

Indicating a return to more normal conditions in our trades and
industries, there has been a slight increase in the number of fire
alarms responded to, which reached the figure of 7605 by the end of
November 1935, as against 7354 during the same period of the previous
year, an increase of 251. But notwithstanding this increase in alarms,
the actual fire losses have in every instance been held to the normal.

With reduction of the current appropriations for the conduct of this
important branch of the city government to the minimum, compatible
with safety, there has nevertheless been accomplished a very material
improvement in the fire fighting equipment, through the extension of
high pressure mains, installed from the Bond Issue of 1933. The bulk
of these extensions are now completed, and the added protection af-
forded by the high pressure system is now available in the Potrero
District, the Marina District and in parts of the Park-Presidio and
Sunset Districts.

The prestige of the San Francisco Fire Department is such as to
need no extended comment by me. I cannot allow this opportunity to
pass, however, without reminding our property owners of general
reductions in fire insurance rates on certain classes of buildings. The
Board of Fire Underwriters' Actuaries informs me of a study now
being made, and which should be completed this year, leading to a
general and substantial reduction on every frame mercantile structure
in the city. It is obvious that such reductions cannot continue in effect,
unless we keep our fire fighting apparatus up-to-date, by means of an
annual program of replacement, in so far as our finances will permit.

I review with pride the record of the San Francisco Fire Commis-
sioners, Chief Engineer Charles J. Brennan and the officers and men
of this most efficient Department.

Civil Service.

During the past year, the Civil Service Commission has scheduled
and completed 47 examinations, for which 15,940 applications were
filed. Of these applicants, 11,826 appeared for examination and 2811
successfully passed, and 9015 failed to qualify. Sixteen other examina-
tions are now in process of completion and twenty-two new examina-
tions are about to be called.

There are at the present time a total of 290 active lists of eligibles
in effect. During the current year 473 permanent certifications and
1945 temporary certifications were made by the Civil Service Com-
mission from these lists of eligibles upon requisitions of the various
departments. Because of the civil service temporary appointments made
from near lists, and the prompt holding of examinations when near

(15 )

lists are not available, emergency non-civil service appointments have
been reduced to a minimum.

Pursuant to a recommendation of the Controller, the Mayor re-
quested the Civil Service Commission to make a survey of all the
departments of the City and County government, the tentative scope of
which survey may be summarized as follows: overlapping or duplicated
functions, .both inter and intra-departmental; obsolete or unneces-
sary processes, functions, reports, etc; tentative recommendations for
simplifications or consolidation of processes or functions or the trans-
fer or coordination of related or basic functions; determination if any
present services are non-essential and if so, elimination of same;
possible elimination of positions to be effected through resignations,
deaths and retirements over a five-year period.

These surveys are now in progress and reports will be transmitted
as they are completed.

The Commissioners and efficient staff have my hearty thanks.

Board of Education.

Establishment of the San Francisco Junior College to provide further
training for young men and women who were graduated from the local
high schools had been advocated for many years, but opportunity for
realization did not come until February, 1935, when Dr. Edwin A. Lee,
Superintendent of Schools, recommended the inauguration of the college
as part of the local high school district.

The Board of Education, upon the nomination of Dr. Lee, named Mr.
A. J. Cloud, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Schools, to the presidency
of the new junior college and a faculty was selected on the basis of edu-
cational experience in the junior college field and training and experi-
ence in recognized higher institutions of learning.

The motivating influence of tax-paying parents for the establishment
of a junior college in San Francisco was two-fold; the long distances
traveled daily by students residing in San Francisco to junior colleges
and the transportation and expense involved. A conservative estimate
placed the annual expenditure of nine hundred and seventy-five San
Francisco students attending junior college in other counties at one
hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. In addition to this amount,
the San Francisco Board of Education paid out to other counties during
the fiscal year 1934-35, the sum of $90,000 for tuition as required by law.
Therefore, the total annual amount spent in other counties by students
and the taxpayers has been more than a quarter of a million dollars.
After careful study, the Board of Education instructed Dr. Lee to make
recommendations looking to immediate establishment of the college.
We did not rush into this new proposition. As far as San Francisco
was concerned, there was considerable criticism at the seeming delay.
It was pointed out that other communities in the State, not nearly so
large as ours, had created junior colleges and that San Francisco was
paying large sums annually for the education of those residents of San
Francisco who were compelled to attend junior college in other
localities.

Through an arrangement perfected with the Regents of the Uni-
versity of California, use of the University Extension Building at 540
Powell street was granted for a period of two years for use as a
junior college. Enrollment of 1450 students during the first semester
of the new institution is a definite indication that the demand on the
part of our citizens for such an institution is justified by the spon-
taneous response evidenced by the registration.

Afternoon junior college classes have been held at Galileo High and
Mission High School buildings. There is ample indication that the
new institution will have a registration of 3500 students before Janu-
ary, 1937. Anticipating this situation, Superintendent Lee and the
Board of Education are giving immediate consideration to the selec-

( 10 )

tion of a permanent site for the college. Attendance at the college
is not mandatory under the laws of the State, but the remarkable
holding power of the new institution is demonstrated by its consist-
ent attendance records.

Mrs. Mary Prag, beloved educator, passed away on March 17, 1935,
after more than 71 years of service to the cause of youth. Mrs. Prag
had served as a teacher in Girls High School, later as vice-principal,
and in the last 14 years of her life served with credit and distinction
as a member of the Board of Education.

Hon. Ira W. Coburn, who rendered valuable service as a member of
the Board of Education for many years, resigned on February 2G
because of ill health. Mr. Coburn had been identified with the realiza-
tion of the school building program since 1923 and his technical knowl-
edge in this field was invaluable to the Board of Education.

The first new elementary school (Visitacion Valley) to be com-
pleted out of the proceeds from the 1934 issue of schoolhouse bonds
was occupied this week. Construction is proceeding on four other
new elementary schools (Lawton, Francis Scott Key, Glen Park and
Patrick Henry) and these buildings will be occupied during this year.
All these structures replace wooden buildings erected many years ago.
Ground was broken recently for the new Sunshine School. When
completed, this building will house the children of the Sunshine School
for Crippled Children and those of the Buena Vista Health School.
Both schools will be operated as separate institutions, the Sunshine
School occupying the first floor and the health school occupying the
second. The children of each school will use separate entrances from
different streets. The consolidated school will offer each group of
children added educational and health advantages. Bids were opened
recently for the erection of a building to house San Francisco's first
vocational school which will be located at Twenty-second and Bart-
lett streets.

Overcrowding in San Francisco's senior high schools will be relieved
with the completion this year of the George Washington High School
in the Park-Presidio District. This new secondary school will pro-
vide that section of the City with long-needed high school facilities.
Residents of the Marina District will be afforded junior high school
accommodations with the completion of the Marina Junior High School
during the coming year. Funds were recently made available through
Federal aid for the erection of a building to house the shops, adjoining
the academic unit, and construction of this unit will start within
three months.

Lowell High School, the last of eighteen school buildings to be
repaired under the mandatory terms of the Field Act passed by the
1933 Legislature, has been completed and will be reoccupied within a
few days. Completion of this rebuilding program has been delayed
because of two major fires — (Girls and Lowell High School buildings) —
while buildings were being repaired. Despite these delays San Fran-
cisco is the first city in California to complete its rebuilding program
to bring all school structures within the terms of this law which is
retroactive in its provisions.

The past year in the public schools has been marked by the con-
tinued growth of a harmonious spirit among the administrative and
certificated staff, under the leadership of Superintendent Lee and the
Board of Education. This condition has aided greatly in dealing with
the many problems with which the Department is called upon to deal.

We continue to maintain our public schools normally, for which, in
goodly measure, thanks are due the Board of Education and all under
their authority.

Employees' Retirement System.

The Retirement System included 11,230 employees at June 30, 193^.
During the fiscal year ending on that date, 167 members were retired

(17 )

because of age or disability, and 114 members died. Many of the
positions thus vacated were not filled. On June 30, 1935, there were
1596 persons receiving allowances under the Retirement System, this
number including aged and disabled members retired from miscel-
laneous departments and also retired firemen and policemen, and their
widows, where death resulted from performance of duty.

The administration of the State Compensation Insurance Law, as it
affects all City employees, is centralized under the Retirement Board
in accordance with the new Charter, instead of being handled by the
various departments in which injured persons are employed. Reports
of all injuries among approximately 11,750 employees are made to
the Retirement Office, and claims are adjusted and benefits paid in
accordance with the State law and Charter, the City and County now
acting as self-insurer in connection with all employees. During the
fiscal year 1934-35, 868 compensation cases were handled, under which
either weekly benefits or medical expenses were paid. Approximately
1468 additional cases were handled which were not of sufficient sever-
ity to qualify for compensation benefits of any kind. The invest-
ments of the Retirement Fund at June 30, 1935, totaled $15,927,000,
as against $14,311,000 as of June 30, 1934.

Mr. Ralph Nelson, Secretary-Actuary of the Board, deserves a full
measure of praise for the efficient handling of this most important
department. To the members of the Board, who have unselfishly
served many hundreds of hours during the past year without remunera-
tion, I offer my sincere thanks.

Assessor's Office.

Assessor Russell L. Wolden indicates the 1935 Assessment Roll to be:
total non-operative, $1,004,362,529; a decrease of $23,963,774 from the
1934 total. Property assessed by the State Board of Equalization was,
$137,453,360, making a total for 1935-36 of $1,141,815,889. This is a
reduction from the peak year 1930-31 of $161,209,176.

The 1935 Assessment Roll consists of two separate sections. In the
one is listed all of the property assessed by the Assessor. In the other
is listed the property of public utilities now subject to local taxation
under the provisions of the Riley-Stewart Act, which property was
valued by the State Board of Equalization.

The 1935 assessment roll as compiled by the Assessor was subjected
to exhaustive investigation by the State Board of Equalization, and
following that investigation and several hearings in Sacramento, was
approved by the State Board of Equalization, as equitable and pro-
portionate. The assessment rolls of scores of counties in this state
were revised by the State Board of Equalization and it is very much to
the credit of this office that the San Francisco assessment roll was
approved by the State Board of Equalization without revision or cor-
rection of any kind.

The operating costs of the Assessor's office continue to decrease.
During the past seven years the total operating costs have been re-
duced from their high point by 30.4 per cent, a saving of $106,603.00.

It will be well to recognize now that the 1936 assessment roll will
have certain determinable losses. Securities no longer subject to tax
levy, valued in 1935 at $170,000,000, will be absent from the 1936 assess-
ment roll, as will $11,000,000 in assessed valuation of motor vehicles,
the latter being exempt from personal property taxation beginning
with 1936. The Assessor informs me that, to offset these losses, and to
minimize the increased burden to real property which these personal
property decreases will entail, the Assessor's office will strive for a
more equitable distribution of the tax burden between real property
and personal property during the coming year. I wish to comment on
the able manner in which this Department is administered.

(18)

Sheriff.

Sheriff Wm. J. Fitzgerald's report, indicating business done in his
office for the calendar year 1935 (December estimated), shows process
and papers filed and issued, 25,434, a slight decrease from the year
1934. Evictions 420; about 100 less than last year. The decrease in
evictions is held due to improvement in organized relief extended to
those without work. Patients, prisoners and wards transferred to
State institutions, 1160, about the same as the previous year.

Number of auctions of real and personal property 195, as against 247
in 1934. Prisoner days served, 230,796, an increase of about 40,000 over
1934.

The per diem cost per prisoner for food and other overhead expenses
reported at lS^c, a most commendable reduction from 21c in the
previous year, is partly due to the raising of vegetables at the new
institution.

Public Utilities Commission.

Citizens of San Francisco should indeed be gratified by the admin-
istration of their $160,000,000 municipal utilities enterprises during the
past year.

Water sales have increased under a lowered rate schedule. A new
rate cut will soon be ordered. Profitable operation of the Municipal
Railway has continued with a five-cent fare and increased revenue.
All street lights are now illuminated. New lights have been installed
and costs have been reduced. San Francisco Airport has made extra-
ordinary strides with air traffic increasing, the field enlarged and new
developments under way which assures that it will shortly become the
United States terminal of Pan-American Airways and the headquarters
of the Coast Guard flying service.

More than one-half of a $15,855,000 utility construction program
under PWA bond issues has been completed. Over 16 billion gallons
of pure Hetch Hetchy water have been delivered to our local reservoirs.
Substantial progress has been made in formulation of plans for a rapid
transit system and for municipal distribution of the electric power
generated by the Hetch Hetchy project.

During 1935 the Public Utilities Commission awarded contracts for
construction costing $5,340,302.43. Work costing $4,725,192.87 was com-
pleted during the year.

The Public Utilities Commission and Mr. Edward G. Cahill, Manager
of Utilities, deserve the highest commendation for their able adminis-
tration of these important municipal departments.

I refer briefly in the following paragraphs to the operations of the
individual utilities during 1935:

Municipal Railway.

Revenues of the Municipal Railway have continued to increase. The
operating revenue for the year 1935 amounted to $3,030,000, an increase
of $79,000 or 2.G9 per cent over the preceding year. This healthy in-
crease in street car riding for the second successive year indicates that,
with a continuation of present efficient management of the Municipal
Railway, we may be assured that it will meet all its obligations in the
future and continue to operate profitably with a 5-cent fare.

Net income for the year amounted to $99,000 as against a net income
of $163,000 for the year 1934. This reduction in net income reflected a
wage restoration to employees of $69,000, as well as the operation of
additional service required to accommodate an increased number of
passengers. The sum of $360,000 was expended for maintenance and
reconstruction in order to maintain the high standard of equipment
and trackage of the Railway properties.

On July 28, 1935, the Municipal Railway inaugurated service on a

(19)

new bus line which is providing urgently needed transportation to the
Eureka Valley and Diamond street districts. This new line connects
with the "K" and "L" lines at the Eureka Station of Twin Peaks Tun-
nel. To improve the service on the Tenth Avenue cross town line, three
modern buses were purchased and placed in operation. Two additional
buses have been ordered to replace old equipment.

On December 1, there was retired from earnings the sum of $100,000
in bonds of the Railway so that there now remains an indebtedness of
only $1,700,000 against the Municipal Railway properties, which are
conservatively valued at $10,000,000.

Over eighty million passengers were carried during the year. Street
cars and buses traveled a distance of approximately nine million miles.

Water Department.

The San Francisco Water Department has completed its fifth calen-
dar year of operation as a municipal utility and continues to show
substantial financial profits, both to water consumers and taxpayers.

Reflecting business recovery, as well as increased use of water be-
cause of lower rates, the Department during the past year distributed
approximately fifty-two million gallons of water daily, as compared
with fifty and one-half million gallons daily for the year 1934.

The increased consumption is not entirely reflected in increased
revenues due to the fact that a 10 per cent reduction in water rates was
put into effect on December 1, 1934. As a result of this reduction 108,000
water consumers of the system have saved approximately $682,000 in
their water bills during 1935. Net revenue of the Department for the
year is approximately $2,328,000 as compared with $2,961,285 for the
preceding calendar year. The decrease of $633,285 in net revenue, it will
be noted, is considerably less than the cash saving to consumers
through the water rate reduction.

On October 28, 1934, water from the Hetch Hetchy project was first
delivered into Crystal Springs Reservoir on the San Francisco penin-
sula, making it available for the use of the people of San Francisco.
Since that time, approximately sixteen billion gallons of water from
Hetch Hetchy have been delivered into our local system.

Work has progressed steadily under the $12,095,000 PWA bond issue
of November, 1933. With the Federal Government paying 30 per cent
of the cost of labor and material involved, more than one-half of the
construction contemplated is now completed and the entire program
will be finished within the coming year. Major items already completed
include the Bay Crossing Pipe Line No. 2, which will provide for de-
livery of more than sixty million gallons daily from the Hetch Hetchy
and Alameda sources.. Excavation of University Mound Reservoir has
been completed and the reservoir is ready for concrete lining. Some
fifteen other contracts, including approximately one hundred miles of
distribution mains, have been completed and are in service, improving
fire protection and domestic supply.

In addition to this bond issue program, advantage has been taken
of the offer of the Federal Government under the Act of 1935 to start
other Water Department improvements costing $374,892, 45 per cent
of the cost of which will be paid by the Federal Government.

The financial results of the Department's operations during the
period of municipal ownership must be most gratifying to our people.
During this period, the gross revenue from all sources has amounted to
$38,029,032, with operating expenses totaling $23,455,367. The net in-
come during that period amounting to $14,573,665 has been applied as
follows: to General Fund for reduction of taxes, $4,069,388; to re-
demption of bonds, $5,976,011; to additions and betterments to the
water system, $3,979,142; to surplus, $528,252; to other appropriations,
$20,872. Total, $14,573,665.

(20)

Hetch Hetchy Construction.

More than 400 workmen have been continuously employed for the
past six months on the enlargement of O'Shaughnessy Dam. Completion
of this construction within the coming year will increase the capacity
of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir from 67 billion gallons to 117 billion
gallons, which is six times as much water as San Francisco uses in a
year. Enlargement of this monumental structure to a height of 430
feet is a difficult engineering task and those responsible for prepara-
tion of the plans and supervising construction are to be highly com-
mended for their excellent work.

During the year, a new 5y2-foot pipe line has been constructed across
San Francisco Bay at Dumbarton Strait, paralleling the original Hetch
Hetchy Bay Crossing Pipe Line which was laid in 1923 and 1924. This
work will increase the transbay pipe line capacity to 110 million gal-
lons daily, thus eliminating the last "bottle neck" in our water system.

Construction is in progress on Moccasin diversion works, a dam and
conduit which will divert the flow of Moccasin Creek away from Hetch
Hetchy Aqueduct and maintain the purity of the water coming from
the mountain reservoirs. The old flume, which supplied water to the
Early Intake Power House, was replaced with a new tunnel which
commenced to deliver water on November 23, 1935. This will increase
the reliability of the Early Intake plant and will avoid water leakage
and reduce maintenance costs.

Hetch Hetchy Power.

Water conditions have been favorable for continuous operation of
Hetch Hetchy power plants during 1934 with the result that the City
has received a maximum return from the sale of its electricity. Suffi-
cient water is in storage to assure full operation of the power system
until some time in February, before which time there should be
sufficient run-off to permit continued operation throughout the winter.

The favorable season has made it possible to avoid any difficulties
over release of water for irrigation in the San Joaquin Valley. It is
hoped that negotiations now under way with the irrigation districts
may result in a satisfactory disposition of this matter for all time
without further court proceedings.

Since 1925 and up to December 31, 1935, San Francisco received a
gross revenue of $23,000,000 for sale of Hetch Hetchy power. After
paying all operating costs and interest on the bonds allocated to the
power system there remained a surplus or net profit of $9,000,000,
which has been transferred to the general fund to meet interest and
redemption charges on Hetch Hetchy water bonds.

The gross revenue for 1935 was $2,371,000, while a net profit of
$1,130,000 was realized after paying operating expense and bond interest.

Street and Public Building Lighting.

The past year has seen a material improvement in the lighting of
the streets of the City and a marked decrease in the cost. On January
1, 1935, 2050 of the 20,183 street lights in the City were unlighted be-
cause of the curtailed street-lighting appropriations. Persistent efforts
of the Public Utilities Commission resulted shortly thereafter in the
granting of a reduction in street-lighting rates aggregating over $100,000
per year. This has permitted operation of all of the installed lights
from March 1. 1935.

During the year, the number of lights in service has been increased
from 18,133 to 20,429, a net increase of 2296. Of these 2050 were lamps
restored to service and 236 are new lights. The majority of new lights
are owned by the City. Many of them have been installed on streets
which will serve as approaches to the Transbay Bridge.

In spite of the increase in the number of lights, the appropriation for
the current year is $66,400 less than for the preceding year. The per

( 21 )

capita cost of street lights in San Francisco is less than $1.00, which
is lower than that of any other American city of equal size. Three
years ago, the cost was $1.33 per capita.

Contracts have been awarded for installation of new city-owned
lights around the Federal Building in the Civic Center and on Fifth
street from Market street to the Bridge terminal.

An appreciable reduction has been made in expenditures for gas and
electric service for City departments. It is expected that the saving
this year will amount to nearly $70,000 without in any way curtailing
the activities of the Department. This reduction has been effected by
close scrutiny of the monthly bills and by rearrangement of the gas
and electric services.

Work has gone forward in making a complete survey and record of
all street lights and in providing a system of control for the more
than 1000 gas and electric accounts. In conformity with City policy,
new tracts open for residential development must include the lighting
of streets in their plans. New tracts known as Francisco Heights and
Pine Lake Park are being equipped with modern street lights which
will be deeded to the City before they are placed in service.

Rapid Transit.

As noted in my report of last year, the Public Utilities Commission
was directed to prepare a study of the best means to provide for rapid
transit within the City, to relieve traffic congestion and at the same
time make satisfactory connection with the westerly terminus of the
Transbay Bridge. The Commission prepared this study and secured
the services of Mr. Robert Ridgway and Mr. Alfred Brady of New York,
experts on this subject, to come to San Francisco and look over the
plans. On July 9, 1935, these two consulting engineers issued a report
approving the Commission's plans with but minor changes.

The proposal calls for the construction of subway lines on Market
street from the Bay Bridge Terminal to Church street; on Mission
street from Market, through the Bernal Cut; and on Montgomery
street and Geary street at a total cost of $52,700,000.

A committee of citizens, headed by Mr. Marshall Hale, is giving this
subject further consideration so that when a plan is decided upon it
will receive the endorsement of the major civic bodies.

In the meantime, the Public Utilities Commission is requesting WPA
funds with which to make preliminary surveys to expedite the prepara-
tion of plans and awarding of contracts; immediately upon receipt of
funds with which to carry out the project.

The matter of rapid transit is one of the most important now facing
the City, as at the present time it takes longer to reach some of the
outlying residential districts than it will to cross the bay via the San
Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge to some of the East Bay communities.
If this condition is not remedied, a considerable percentage of San
Francisco residents may be tempted to move from the City.

The Public Utilities Commission has also cooperated during the year
with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Authorities in laying out
street-car lines to the bridge terminal, assisting with their lighting
problems and in furnishing information useful to the Authority on
other matters connected with the location of the terminal.

San Francisco Airport.

The year 1935 witnessed the most important developments in the
history of San Francisco Airport.

Little more than one month ago Pan-American Airways, the world's
largest air transport company, signed an agreement to establish its
Pacific Coast headquarters on our municipal field.

This agreement is contingent upon the completion, within the com-
ing year, of a $1,675,000 construction program which was started about

(22)

December 1 by the Federal Works Progress Administration. This pro-
gram includes the establishment of a seaplane base with channel to
deep water, turning basin, ramps and other facilities, reclamation of
additional tide flats to enlarge the landing area and pavement of
runways. I cannot too strongly urge that this project be prosecuted
most diligently and efficiently in order that we may receive the im-
portant benefits to be derived from the establishment of this base at
our Municipal Airport.

San Francisco Airport during the past year has been designated
as one of the few "super airports" of the nation and as such has been
selected by the Federal Government for extensive development.

The Airport continues to be the terminal of the only air transport
line operating" in Northern California. Complete service to all points
of the United States and nearby countries is available over this air
line and its connections.

Another major air line — Transcontinental and Western Air — has in-
dicated that it will utilize San Francisco Airport as the western ter-
minus of a new transport route operating from San Francisco to
eastern and middle-western cities via Winslow, Arizona, and Albu-
querque, New Mexico. An application for this route is now pending
before the Interstate Commerce Commission.

Comparison of traffic figures for the calendar years 1934 and 1935
shows an increase of 29 per cent in passenger arrivals and departures,
the figures being approximately 38,000 in 1934 and 49,000 in 1935. The
Airport also handled an increase of 73 per cent in air mail pouches
and 30 per cent in air express, there having been a total of 52,000 air
pouches and 69,000 pieces of air express dispatched through the field
during the past year. Transport planes in and out of the field totaled
16,300 in 1935, an increase of 27 per cent.

Enlargement of the Airport landing area under the $260,000 WPA
bond issue voted in November, 1933, was successfully completed,
qualifying the field for the highest class transport rating by the Fed-
eral Department of Air Commerce. Other work was accomplished
with SERA funds, including drainage, sewerage, paving and elec-
trical facilities.

Six airplane sales agencies, five flying schools and a fully equipped
airplane an'1 engine repair shop are operating at the field.

Office of the Treasurer.

The Treasurer's office must be conducted under the provisions of the
State law and the Charter. The volume of business for the fiscal year
1934-35 was in excess of the previous fiscal year, without additional
office costs.

The Treasurer is the custodian of the securities of the Retirement
System which amount to $15,124,312.50.

The Treasurer of the City and County is, by virtue of his office,
the treasurer of the Islais Creek Reclamation District, which is
located wholly within the City and County.

The National City Bank of New York is the designated fiscal agency
of the City and County, and pays matured bond interest and bond re-
demption which amounts to approximately $7,000,000.

The cost of handling one dollar in the Treasurer's office is .00321,
which, from available data, is the lowest in the nation for volume
of business handled.

Actual cash received and cash disbursed, $157,030,787.20; interfund
and departmental accounts, $88,906,203.48; interest earned on deposit
of public funds in banks, $398,600.15; coupons paid, approximately
343,000; amount of coupons paid, $7,726,985.75; amount of bonds re-
deemed, $6,266,100; number of demands handled, 404,565; number of
emergency demands handled, 367,179; tax anticipation notes issued and
redeemed, $8,500,000; inheritance tax collected for the State of Calif or-

(23)

nia, $1,431,632.50; tax anticipation notes examined, approximately 1600;
total cost of office, including stationery, employees, etc., $48,861.01;
commissions earned and fees received and deposited, $11,692.92; which
should be credited to the office expense, leaving the actual cost to the
taxpayers of the Treasurer's office for the fiscal year, $37,168.09.

A truly splendid exhibit of efficiency and economy. I wish to com-
mend the admirable manner in which the Treasurer's office has been
conducted under the supervision of Captain Duncan Matheson and
his most capable staff.

Parks.

The park system has been the recipient during the past year of
many lasting betterments provided by the utilization of the unemployed
labor furnished by the Federal and State relief projects.

Early in the year it was very evident that, if San Francisco was to
have a zoological garden commensurate with the other cosmopolitan
and cultural institutions that have made our beloved City a happy
and proper dwelling place, the acquisition of more land was imperative.
To this end, approximately 69 acres were acquired from the Spring
Valley Company immediately east of the present Zoo site and adja-
cent thereto. At this time, over fifteen hundred of the unemployed
citizens of San Francisco are clearing, grading and preparing this
tract of land for a Zoo; which, when completed, will take its place
among similar outstanding institutions of the world.

For many years the unimproved section of Lafayette Square, held
in private ownership, has been a subject of rightful protest by the
citizens of the vicinity. I am now happy to state that this land has
been acquired by the City and within the year will be properly land-
scaped and play areas developed and thrown open to the public for
their enjoyment forevermore.

The restoration of the Palace of Fine Arts is now in its final stages
and it, too, should be completed within the coming year.

So, also, should 1936 see the construction of roads, walks and retain-
ing walls at Aquatic Park, where work is now progressing rapidly,
through the aid of Federal agencies.

The Kezar Stadium, mecca of sport lovers and the scene of many
historic athletic contests, has been provided with all modern facilities
necessary for proper conduct of major athletic events, through the use
of Federal and State funds.

The Federal government, through its general works program, has
expended over $150,000 in the beautification of the park on Telegraph
Hill.

An interesting and educational addition to the many attractive fea-
tures of Golden Gate Park will soon start to take shape in the form of
an arboretum, for which plans have already been drawn and which will
be created from moneys generously bequeathed to the City by the late
Mrs. Helen Strybing. All who know of the skill and enthusiasm with
which Superintendent of Parks John McLaren approaches any project
which calls for the use of growing things, can be sure that this
arboretum, when completed, will house one of the most comprehensive
collections of plants, trees and shrubs in the world.

Altogether it would seem that our park system yearly offers more
to our citizens in the way of health, recreation and educational di-
version.

To the Commission, its staff, and our beloved John McLaren, I ex-
tend my hearty thanks.

Recreation Department.

For 29 years the Recreation Department has been providing the citi-
zens of San Francisco with ever-increasing opportunities for more
abundant living.

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The Recreation Department has supervision over 80 recreation units
representing 453 acres. There are 34 playgrounds and centers, 22
schoolyards, 8 gymnasiums, 2 open-air swimming pools, 1 mountain
camp and 13 playground sites.

The attendance for last fiscal year, on these various recreation
areas, was 5,276,237.

Money was provided in this year's budget to start establishing play-
grounds in the following districts where there are insufficient recrea-
tion areas: Bay View, $15,000; Eureka Valley, $25,000; Upper Noe
Valley, $25,000; Ninth and Ortega, $6,000; Longfellow, $20,000; Haight-
Ashbury, $25,000; Sunset, $25,000; and Corona Heights, $25,000.

The Department cooperated with the SERA and WPA authorities
in expanding its program of supervision and development.

One hundred and twenty individuals attended the six weeks' insti-
tute for recreation workers which afforded additional training for those
employed in the field.

The Commission is constantly enlarging its work to meet the in-
sistent demands for a more varied program and additional recreation
areas. Extensive improvements were made at Camp Mather during
1935. The work included remodeling 110 cabins. The total patronage
for this season was 2100, being 250 additional guests over the previous
year. The Commission and their staff have rendered valuable service
to our citizens of tomorrow.

Board of Permit Appeals.

The court of last resort, in so far as permits are concerned, is the
Board of Permit Appeals, consisting of five members, which to date
has heard two hundred and twenty-nine appeals. While appeals are
not numerous, they are often complicated, because of controversies
encountered among property owners and merchants in the neighborhood
in which the applicant desires to locate.

The Board has given most thoughtful consideration to such appeals,
with the endeavor to satisfy, as far as possible, parties concerned, and
at the same time observe the law. The Board also makes it a rule to
inspect all premises involving permits. Matters that come before
the Board are appeals from the decision of the Chief of Police, the
Chief of the Fire Department, and Director of Public Health, the
Director of Public Works, the Art Commission and all licenses granted
by the Tax Collector.

Decisions of the Board of Permit Appeals have been upheld on two
occasions by our local Superior Court and on one occasion by the
State Supreme Court.

The Board is to be commended for the thoughtful and efficient con-
sideration they are giving their work.

City Planning Commission.

Numerous applications for changes in the Building Zone Ordinance
were considered by the Commission during the past year. Many pub-
lic hearings were held, and in each case the propertv under consid-
eration was investigated by the Commission, in the field. The depart-
ment is at the present time conducting a survey of Industrial Dis-
tricts for the purpose of ascertaining just what changes are necessary,
properly to plan our ultimate industrial needs. Additional indus-
trial sites must be made available. New industries, providing employ-
ment and payrolls, must be gained.

The volume of routine work in the office has greatly increased dur-
ing the past year, and a noticeable increase in building activity makes
it apparent that the Commission will be confronted with a greater
number of planning problems from now on.

The Commission has recently sponsored, as a Works Progress Ad-
ministration Project, a program for a comprehensive Use of Property

(25)

Survey of the entire City and County, the purpose of which might be
termed an inventory of building activity during the past fifteen years
under our present Building Zone Ordinance.

It is proposed to show by the results of this study a comparison
with the conditions that prevailed in 1920, and to provide the neces-
sary information for a complete revision of our Master Plan. It will
show conclusively that sections zoned in a particular classification
have not developed as originally planned and the apparent need of
making many changes that will be best suited to the ultimate develop-
ment. The information obtained will be of tremendous value to not
only the City Planning Commission, but to various other departments
in the municipal government and the citizens of San Francisco. The
Commission has made an exhaustive study of the needs of San Fran-
cisco concerning approaches to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The members of the staff of this Commission have shown intelligent'
and unselfish concern for the important duties entrusted to them.

War Memorial Trustees.

Unique in the activities of city governments, anywhere, is our War
Memorial Department. It includes the operation of the Opera House
and the Veterans' Building, the Museum of Art, and the Court of
Memory, and is under the direction of a Board of eleven Trustees
and a Managing Director. The department continued during 1935
to earn an enviable record of achievement.

Our magnificent Opera House, built by the people, has made possible
another superb season of grand opera, the feature of which was a
presentation of the notable "Ring Operas" of Ptichard Wagner, pro-
duced on a scale not exceeded anywhere in the world. This was made
possible solely from the extraordinarily complete facilities and equip-
ment in the Opera House. During the season, which took place in
November, 1935, four "Ring" operas and nine operas from the stan-
dard repertoire all brought overflowing crowds to enjoy the fine music
and further establish San Francisco as an outstanding musical center.

The Opera House, because of its capacity, affords the citizens of
San Francisco an opportunity of annually enjoying a three weeks'
season of popular-priced operas, which is in no way slighted in point
of production and excellence of cast, in comparison with the main sea-
son. Thousands of citizens, for as little as 50 cents and no more than
$1 per performance, are able to thoroughly enjoy finely produced
standard operas.

Our Opera House is the home of the San Francisco Symphony Or-
chestra, which this year has scheduled at least 24 fine symphony pro-
grams. The outstanding musical stars are heard here throughout the
season. The Opera House is the only municipally owned structure
of its kind in the United States.

Last year brought great improvements to the Auditorium in the
Veterans' Building. This little theater, graced with the eight Frank
Brangwyn first prize murals, is now equipped with a most modern
electrically operated orchestra pit elevator. The hall is so built that
with a level floor it becomes one of the finest maple floored auditoriums
in the West, and by the touch of a button, and the installation of
upholstered seats, it is immediately transformed into a fine concert
hall.

Activities in the meeting halls and veteran affairs headquartered in
the Veterans' Building are ever on the increase. Often, twenty lodge-
rooms are occupied with important meetings, both afternoons and
nights. From 2000 to 5000 people enjoy the use of the facilities of
this building every day of the year.

The first year of the San Francisco Museum of Art, occupying the
fourth floor of the Veterans' Building, has been marked with im-

(26)

portant achievement. For the first time the great Carnegie exhibit of
paintings was brought to this City because the facilities of the new
museum permitted adequate exhibition of this world-famous collec-
tion. Over a dozen fine exhibits featured the first year of the museum.
During 1936 a continuous round of fine exhibits are booked.

These buildings are a constant tribute to the American Veterans
of all wars, a classic addition to the City's world-famed Civic Center,
and a great credit to the fine public spirit of all its citizens.

My thanks to our War Memorial Trustees, and Mr. Selby Oppen-
heimer, the Managing Director.

Art Commission.

This group of artists, musicians, architects, literateurs and laymen
of distinction has freely given time, study and consideration to the
aesthetic and cultural welfare of the municipality.

The Committee of Architecture, John Bakewell, Jr., Chairman, has
continued to play a most important part in the construction of the
approaches to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Designs for via-
ducts, spans and arches and the development of the Fifth Street Plaza
have received studied consideration. It is highly gratifying to know
that the recommendations and suggestions of the Committee have been
successfully carried out, thereby assuring that this project will have
the dignified and magnificent approach worthy of the City of San
Francisco.

This Committee has also been active on the project for the building
of public schools financed by the recent school bond issue. The majority
of the designs for these schools were approved as submitted and others
have been dealt with in a manner which promises best results.

Among the many accomplishments of the Art Commission, one of
the most noteworthy events during 1935 was the overwhelming victory
of its campaign, last May, for Charter Amendment No. 3, when eighty-
five thousand citizens voted to add a half cent to the tax rate for the
purpose of maintaining a symphony orchestra. This achievement es-
tablished San Francisco as the first city in America to subsidize, by
the people's mandate, a symphony orchestra. The people of San
Francisco are thus assured the best in music, at prices within reach
of all. San Francisco, in fulfilling this obligation to its citizens and
taxpayers, is giving under the direction of the Music Committee, the
Honorable J. Emmet Hayden, Chairman, a series of ten Municipal
Symphony Concerts with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, and
the greatest personalities in the world of music as guest artists, at
admission prices of from twenty to eighty cents.

Rigid supervision of all works of art placed in parks, squares and
buildings which belong to San Francisco, continues under the direction
of Commissioner Charles Stafford Duncan.

Under the activities of an ERA art work project, supported by the
Federal Government, many artists and sculptors have been given em-
ployment. The Commission re-affirms its policy of assistance rather
than obstruction, in matters submitted for its consideration and recog-
nizes with appreciation the cordial cooperation of the heads of other
Municipal Departments, of the engineers and consulting architects of
the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, of the Federal Government,
particularly the officials of the CWA and SERA, the Musical Asso
ciation of San Francisco, the Musicians' Union, and the artists and
architects preparing the designs of matter submitted.

It must be recalled that the San Francisco Art Commission, at its
inception, was considered experimental, because it was the first Art
Commission in the world to supervise and control the expenditure of
all appropriations for music and the advancement of art and music.
That it has worked with acknowledged success for four years is a
source of deep satisfaction to its members and our fellow-citizens,

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generally. It is looked upon as a model to be copied and is constantly
consulted by groups of citizens of other cities of the United States
contemplating the formation of such a commission. I appreciate the
work so unselfishly done by this Commission.

San Francisco Museums.

The year 1935 marked a further stride forward in the development
of the two municipal museums of San Francisco. Nearly 900,000 people
visited the California Palace of the Legion of Honor and the M. H.
de Young Museum.

The most important event was the great exhibition of American
Painting held jointly in both museums during June and July, paint-
ings of the 18th and 19th centuries being shown at the M. H. de Young
Memorial Museum, and contemporary American paintings displayed
at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor. Altogether, 459
pictures were gathered from various museums and private collections
in the country. The fact that the great Eastern institutions, such as the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in
Boston, the Pennsylvania Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania
Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, the Art Institute of Chicago,
Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati and many others, most generously re-
sponded to our request for loans is the best proof of the growing repu-
tation of our municipal museums as serious institutions for the
study of art and of San Francisco as an important Western art center.
The great success of the exhibition, which in little more than one
month was visited by over 220,000 people, was the best reward for
the efforts in assembling it. To create a lasting record of this event a
magnificent catalogue was published, which sold in thousands of
copies to the local visitors, and also was sent, as cultural propaganda,
to hundreds of museums, libraries, educational institutes, and art
magazines in America as well as in Europe.

Another show which created considerable interest was the exhibition
of Soviet Paintings and Prints held in the California Palace of the
Legion of Honor in August. Outstanding in the field of decorative arts
was the large exhibition of Textile Art Through the Ages held in
August and September in the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, in
which hundreds of magnificent examples of the weaver's craft were
shown.

The continued work of the SERA and later of the WPA has greatly
improved facilities of the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum. Re-
modeling and modernizing the east wing, provided the museum with
excellent galleries for temporary exhibitions, a library room, print
and textile study rooms, various workshops, etc. This work is still in
progress. The standard of the collection has been considerably raised
by the addition of numerous works of art, mostly acquired from funds
available through the generosity of the late Mr. M. H. de Young.

The California Palace of the Legion of Honor was fortunate enough
to acquire from a fund generously provided by Mr. Archer M. Hunting-
ton, a characteristic man's portrait by the French 18th Century painter,
Jean Baptiste Greuze, and an exceptionally fine landscape by the
French painter Jean Baptiste Camille Corot.

With the improvement of educational facilities, the work carried out
has progressed steadily. Weekly lectures and radio talks by members
of the museum staffs have found lively response and cooperation be-
tween the museums and schools has been further intensified.

In brief, no efforts have been spared to make the two museums into
educational institutes worthy of our city as an important cultural
center of the country. I am pleased by the progress made in this vitally
important department of cultural activity.

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San Francisco Public Library.

The Library Department has experienced an active and constructive
year. The circulation of books for home reading amounted to approxi-
mately 4,000,000 volumes. It is estimated that nearly 9,500,000 people
used the various departments of the main library and branches,
in 1935.

During the depression, thousands turned to the library not only for
recreation reading, but also for cultural and educational advancement.
Unfortunately, the library has been struggling during these years with
an inadequate book fund. If it is to maintain its high standard of ser-
vice additional funds must be set aside for the purchase of books.

I recommended that $40,000 be appropriated for the opening of four
new branch libraries to be situated in the Visitacion Valley, Parkside,
West Portal and Bernal Heights districts. The Visitacion Valley
branch was the first to be opened with a collection of books amounting
to 5000 volumes. On account of insufficient funds this branch was at
first operated by volunteer help from the neighborhood. However, since
July it has been in the hands of trained librarians. Next a branch was
opened in the Parkside district. It also has a model collection number-
ing 5000 volumes. Negotiations are being made for suitable quarters in
the West Portal and Bernal Heights districts. These branches will be
opened very soon. Similar collections of books have been purchased for
each branch and are being prepared for installation. It is indeed a
satisfaction to know that these districts are receiving library service
after being without for so many years. Judging by the great use
made of the branches already opened, their need was evident.

The Business Branch in the Russ Building has proven of great
value to the business and financial district. Our Music Department,
which is probably one of the most complete west of Chicago, has
rendered aid to our professional and amateur musicians. The Chil-
dren's Department has been especially active, working in fine harmony
with parent-teacher associations and schools throughout the city. Many
scientific, literary, musical and educational lectures were held in the
main library assembly room.

An audit of the library system was taken under the direction of the
Controller's office and the library was found to be in excellent
condition.

Many valuable old documents and files of early newspapers were
repaired by a number of SERA workers. The Max Kuhl collection of
rare books and the Phelan Memorial collection of California authors
were enlarged by many valuable gifts from Mr. Albert M. Bender of
the Library Commission.

In the endeavor to place the resources of the library before more of
the people of San Francisco, an intensive drive was made for new
members. The library received excellent publicity for this purpose
through the cooperation of the municipal railway, radios, newspapers,
schools and clubs.

The enormous volume of work could not have been accomplished
with the limited staff, were it not for the untiring energy and enthus-
iastic cooperation of all members, to whom hearty commendation is
due.

Deserved thanks to Librarian Robert Rea, the Trustees and his
courteous and efficient staff.

Chief Administrative Officer.

The administrative departments of our municipal government, under
the direction of Chief Administrative Officer Alfred J. Cleary, have
continued during the past year to establish practical business methods
in handling the public business entrusted to them, in accordance with

(29 )

the letter and the spirit of the new Charter. New employments have
not been created except when absolutely necessary, and replacements
have been made to fill vacancies only when fully justified.

The Department of Works is directing the remaining PWA con-
struction projects, which have provided the building industry with
new life and have greatly relieved unemployment in the building trades
and among laborers. This department has likewise proposed many
new projects in accordance with the national program of the PWA
and WPA, notably the proposed San Francisco 1938 Exposition. In
this connection, Mr. Clyde Healy, Assistant City Engineer, traveled to
Washington, spent several weeks in conference with Federal officials
in charge of the huge public works and relief programs, and through
his skill and experience, was of material assistance in securing for
San Francisco not only vital help in the development of the Exposition
site and buildings, but also additional projects as well. These projects
total the enormous sum of approximately $37,000,000, and their progress
to completion will reflect a positive increase in employment in San
Francisco, as well as a considerable share of new prosperity for all
of our citizens.

The County Welfare Department has met with a vast increase in
the volume of old-age pension cases consequent upon the reduction
of the age limit from seventy (70) years to sixty-five (65). This
increase, while taxing the facilities of the Department to the utmost,
has been met with commendable effort to expedite the claims filed and
to handle the claimants with the additional tact and courtesy which
they deserve.

The Street Traffic Advisory Board has worked with the press and
with public-spirited civic agencies in a general effort to reduce the
mounting toll of traffic accidents. It has considered many plans and
suggestions at its meetings and has put into effect recommended
changes at the points in the City where danger or congestion has
required them.

Through the enactment of appropriate legislation, the garbage dis-
posal problem has been satisfactorily adjusted, and by authority of the
Board of Supervisors, a contract entered into for a long term, thus
guaranteeing to our citizens a modern sanitary method of handling
the collected refuse. In addition, provision has been made for creating
additional acreage for San Francisco, when certain public lands suit-
able to the purpose of fill and cover are made available.

Mutual discussions, participated in by the administrative department
heads, have provided many valuable new ideas and suggestions. These
meetings will continue to provide a medium for exchanging timely
ideas, and will provide necessary contact between departments having
joint duties and jurisdiction.

Department of Finance and Records.

This Department includes the functions and personnel of the offices
of the Registrar of Voters, County Clerk, Recorder, Public Adminis-
trator and Tax Collector. Its Director, Mr. Arthur Curtis, continues
to carry on the duties of his office in a most exemplary manner. I
admit my high appreciation of his services.

The total expense for this office for the calendar year 1935 was
$5,830.61. All requisitions and purchase orders connected with the five
departments under this division clear through the office and a com-
plete account is kept of expense and operation of these departments.

Tax Collector's Office.

For the past three years this office has included the Department of
Delinquent Revenues, which collected up to December 6, 1935, the sum
of $537,166.19, a most commendable achievement for which Ignatius
Richardson may take great credit. For the calendar year, up to Decem-

( 30 )

ber 6th, the total collections of the office were $29,052,523.19. The total
collections, exclusive of the License Bureau, showed an increase of
$3,617,170.09, over the same period in 1934, of which sum $2,530,655.99
was caused by the public utilities being returned to the tax roll. My
thanks to Tax Collector Bryant and his experienced staff.

Registrar of Voters.

In this Department, three elections were held in this calendar year,
viz.: Special Municipal Election, May 2d; Special State Election, August
13th; and General Municipal Election, November 5, 1935. With regard
to the Special Election on August 13th, the Board of Supervisors went
on record as agreeing to find funds to reimburse the Department of
Elections for this expense. The figures are about complete and it will
cost approximately $40,000.

In the General Municipal Election of November 5, the largest num-
ber of votes ever cast at a Municipal Election were recorded — 186,992.
The full complement of 1055 voting precincts were used. No com-
plaints were made and no trouble was experienced. Full returns from
all voting precincts were received, tabulated and given to the press
and the public within four hours of the closing of the polls, a most
enviable record, and one probably without a parallel, considering the
large number of votes.

A decision by the Supreme Court of California in November neces-
sitates a new registration, beginning January 1, 1936. This was an
entirely unexpected expense at the time our budget was filed. A new
Index to the Register and 300,000 Affidavits of Registration must be
printed and a large force of extra clerks will have to be employed.
These will necessitate a request for an additional appropriation for
this Department as soon as the expense has been estimated; this, of
course, being additional to the $40,000 mentioned above. Sincere
thanks to Registrar Charles J. Collins and his experienced corps of
assistants.

County Clerk.

Upon the establishment of the Municipal Court, the personnel of the
County Clerk's office was reduced by transferring twenty deputies to
the said Municipal Court. In the meantime, deputies have been trans-
ferred to other departments of the municipality. The personnel now
consists of the County Clerk, Chief Clerk and fifty-four deputies.

Despite the reduced personnel, the County Clerk has been able to
keep the business of the office up to date, and to continue to show a
splendid profit in revenue from the General, Probate and License
departments of his office.

A loss in the revenue of the Civil Department is caused by the filing
in the Municipal Court of all civil actions involving two thousand
dollars or less, at a loss in fees to the County Clerk's office, amounting
to the sum of about thirty thousand dollars per annum.

A loss of revenue in the Criminal Department is caused by the
transfer of jurisdiction of and the revenue from the former Police
Courts and Traffic Court to the Municipal Court, which amounted to an
average of about one hundred and forty-five thousand dollars per
annum.

County Clerk Mulcrevy and his competent and courteous corps of
deputies merit high approval.

Public Administrator.

The report of the Public Administrator shows that the office has been
conducted with a substantial profit. As you are aware, some of the fees
applicable to the attorney for the Public Administrator were withheld
in the estates pending a court decision as to whether or not these fees

( 31)

belonged to the attorney for the Public Administrator. However, in
the past few days all these withheld fees, amounting to approximately
$18,000 have been deposited in the treasury of the City and County of
San Francisco, and so appear in the report as filed by the Public Ad-
ministrator. In a survey of this office by the Civil Service Commis-
sion, released recently, other matters were mentioned, which are now
in process of adjudication.

Operations of the office, from January 2 to November 30, 1935, in-
cluded: number of estates, wherein the Public Administrator took pos-
session, 215; number in which final accounts have been settled and
allowed, 198; attorney's fees collected and paid into County Treasury,
$31,155.10; administrator's fees collected and paid into County Treasury,
$26,837.18; total, $57,992.18; total cost of operation of office, $35,669.71;
profit, $22,322.48. Administrator Phillip C. Katz and his assistants
continue to render valuable service.

Recorder.

For the calendar year 1935, a total of $107,795.20 was received as
recording fees. Total salaries paid during the year, $85,816.79; surplus
over salaries paid, $21,978.41. There were 61,657 documents filed and
recorded.

This office, most courteously presided over by Edmond Godchaux,
popular dean of all county officials, is now undermanned. The last
Legislature enacted a new law requiring chattel mortgages to be re-
recorded every four years. Under this new law, the Recorder received
in the course of two days approximately 24,320 folios. It was neces-
sary to secure an additional appropriation of $4,000 from the Emer-
gency Reserve Fund to meet the necessary expense, caused by em-
ploying additional help. Copied, free of charge, for City, State and
Federal use, 1988 documents.

Department of Electricity.

The outstanding accomplishments of the Department of Electricity
during the calendar year 1935 are as follows: Manufactured, installed
and maintained fire alarm boxes, police boxes and traffic control de-
vices. Radio receiving sets were installed in 15 automobiles of the
Fire and Police Departments.

There were installed 43 fire alarm boxes, making a total of 1492
boxes in service. Monthly tests of fire alarm boxes totaled 17,626.
Total number of signals transmitted, 48,355.

Applications received in the Inspection Bureau numbered 14,687;
inspections made, 44,324; installations approved, 13,421. Inspection
fees and other revenue received, $41,132.39. There were manufactured
39 traffic signals and 24 fire alarm boxes.

Total expenditures amount to $192,232.61. Under the direction of
Chief Ralph W. Wiley, this department continues to function com-
mendably.

Real Estate Department.

As an extension to the Municipal Airport for handling seaplanes, the
City is acquiring 440 acres of privately-owned tideland in San Fran-
cisco Bay, adjoining the 1112.5-acre tract of land being purchased from
Mills Estate. The City now holds title to 60 per cent of the latter tract.

Easements are being bought for Crystal Springs Pipe Line No. 2
from Millbrae to University Mound Reservoir. Ten hundred and
eighty-five acres of land on the Calaveras Reservoir watershed and
many lots for Sunset Reservoir have been purchased. A quitclaim
deed to a large lot on Seventh avenue has been obtained.

A school site in Miraloma Park has been conveyed to the City in

(32)

exchange for a parcel of land on Nineteenth avenue. Additional
lands have been purchased for Patrick Henry School, Sunshine School,
Mission High School and Visitacion Valley School.

Final payment has been made for the Angelo J. Rossi Playground
site and appraisals are being made of lands required for other play-
grounds.

Negotiations are being carried on for the acquisition of lands re-
quired for the widening of Nineteenth avenue from Lincoln way to
Sloat boulevard, for the Castro-Divisadero Divisional Highway, Mc-
Laren Park roadway, widening of San Jose avenue, Potrero Hill Play-
ground roadway and other projects. The purchase of lands for widen-
ing Army street from Potrero avenue to Bryant street has been com-
pleted. Acquisition of property for the realignment of Sloat boulevard
west of Thirty-ninth avenue is nearly finished. Practically all of the
right of way parcels for the Richmond Sewer Tunnel have been ob-
tained.

On April 1 the City entered into a lease agreement for the use and
purchase of an additional G9 acres of land for Fleishhacker Playground
and Zoo. Ten parcels of land at a total cost of $200,000 are being
purchased for Lafayette Park at the rate of one parcel per year.

Miscellaneous leases of City lands have been awarded, including a
lease to Hearst Radio, Inc., for a receiving station on the Crystal
Springs property in San Mateo County, a machine shop at the Airport
and other locations.

Through relief agencies and the use of surplus rental funds, the
Auditorium has been rehabilitated. A greater variety of attractions
than ever before are being booked in the Auditorium. We find it im-
possible, occasionally, to accommodate prospective tenants.

The conduct of this Department, under Joseph J. Phillips, has been
such as to amply justify the makers of the Charter, in setting it up.

Department of Public Works.

The Department of Public Works, consisting of ten bureaus, has
finished a year in which the completion and advancement of many
projects of great importance and benefit to our City are noted.

The entire program for the extension of our high pressure system
is in process of completion, the cost during the calendar year just
ended having been $954,255. All extensions requested by the Chief
Engineer of the Fire Department and others interested in this problem
have been complied with. The completion of this system brings our
ability to protect property to a standard not excelled by any American
city. The result should be a sizable further reduction in fire insur-
ance rates.

During 1935 there was expended for new construction and general
repairs to existing school buildings, the sum of $1,689,133. Buildings
to be constructed under the school bond issue passed by the people in
1933 and included in the above total are: Visitacion Valley School,
$162,096; Glen Park School, $203,978; Marina Junior High School,
$565,565; Patrick Henry School, $94,397.50; Starr King School (yard
work), $4,147; Francis Scott Key School, $174,600; Starr King School
(library), $4,258; Sunshine-Buena Vista School, $265,423; Agassiz
School, $194,649; Lawton School, $169,788.

Upon construction of the George Washington High School, $730,059
was expended. This much-needed school is now completed.

With the practical completion of the school program, housing con-
ditions for our youth have reached a point guaranteeing no further
crowding, with ideal conditions for play. Any further program, due
to increased population, should be handled on a "pay as you go" basis.

On extensions to our main sewer system, there was expended the
sum of $841,781. This included the Fifteenth street sewer; the Sixth

(33)

street, Howard-Brannan; the Brannan street sewer; which replaced
obsolete sewers.

New extensions will take care of storm and sanitary conditions in
the industrial area for some time to come.

There was expended the sum of $102,117 on contracts for boulevard
construction. The cost for general improvement of streets was $101,-
345. It is anticipated that in the streets and boulevards program
for 1936 all major downtown streets leading to or being a part of the
approaches of the San F'rancisco Bay Bridge, will be reconditioned
and realigned.

Completed major projects during the calendar year 1935 amounted
to $3,451,470; itemized as follows: "new" school buildings, $1,070,348;
High Pressure System, $954,225.80; Sewers — reinforced concrete, $841,-
781.45; Boulevards, $15,820; Reconstruction and alterations of schools,
$411,665.02; alterations and remodeling of public buildings, $36,694;
Reconstruction of streets, $101,345.06; Improvement of unaccepted
streets, $19,591.52.

The Psychopathic Cancer building, adjoining the San Francisco
Hospital, is now well under way and should be turned over to the
Department of Public Health by the end of this fiscal year. The cost
is approximately $750,000.

Contemplated Major Projects.

The cost of completion, during 1936, of the major projects referred
to below, is estimated at $2,549,681.

School Buildings: Marina Junior High School, shop building, $188,-
000; George Washington High School, shop building, $138,000; Aptos
Junior High School, 10 additional classrooms, $84,000.

One of the most important of these projects is the Richmond-Sunset
Sewage Disposal Plant. Plans are under way for the beginning of the
first unit, to cost $120,000 about February 1st. The entire project will
cost $962,000. It will eliminate the disposition of sewage in the waters
of San Francisco Bay and the Pacific, a matter of serious concern for
so many years.

Plans and specifications are being prepared and contracts will be
awarded on the following items, under the High Pressure Bond Issue
of 1933: Bay Bridge Approach District, $32,000; Mission District,
$70,000; Clay Street Hill District, $18,000; Cisterns, $143,000; Hydrant
Reducing Valves, $10,000; Operating Valve Machine, $10,000.

The following work on major streets, for which funds are available,
will be prosecuted during the calendar year: Fifth street, Mission-
Townsend streets, $57,340; Fremont street, Market-Harrison streets,
$43,000; First street, Market-Harrison streets, $45,000; Harrison street,
Embarcadero-Fifth street, $85,400; Anza street, cut thru to St. Rose's
avenue, $41,181; Folsom street, Embarcadero-Tenth street, $105,300;
Steuart street, Embarcadero-Mission, $10,030; Beale street, Embarca-
dero-Market street, $43,920; Spear street, Embarcadero-Howard street,
$14,770; Battery street, Embarcadero-Market, $75,000; Bryant street,
Second and Fifth streets, $42,700; Sixth street, Townsend-Mission
streets, $48,800; Eighth street, Townsend-Market streets, $56,120;
Eighteenth street, Guerrero-Danvers, $34,460; Seventh avenue, Law-
ton-Lincoln way, $16,900; California street, Presidio avenue-First ave-
nue, $34,760; First street, Embarcadero-Brannan, $5,000.

Of the total, $759,681, the Public Works Administration will pay
45 per cent and the City and County of San Francisco the balance
out of the one-quarter cent gasoline tax revenues.

Lombard street, leading from Van Ness avenue and connecting with
the Golden Gate Bridge via Lyon street, is scheduled for improvement
as a one-quarter cent gasoline tax project on State highways within
San F'rancisco; therefore, it will be constructed as funds are available

(34)

therefor. This thoroughfare will be 100 feet wide, and will cost ap-
proximately $1,300,000.

Nineteenth avenue from Lincoln way to Sloat boulevard is also a
project destined for accomplishment from the one-quarter cent gaso-
line tax for State highways in San Francisco. Initial purchases
of property on this important improvement have already been made.
This thoroughfare will be 100 feet wide and will cost approximately
$2,200,000.

A comprehensive report has been made of a proposed Divisional
Highway extending from Lombard street to Alemany boulevard, a
distance of 4.9 miles, and involving a cost of $8,340,000. On account
of the magnitude of this project, it will have to be approached grad-
ually as funds become available. A new thoroughfare, a feeder of and
tributary to the Divisional Highway, is being cut through between
Castro and Divisadero streets, at a cost of $185,000. Of this amount,
$60,000 is for property. Property purchase is virtually complete, and
it is hoped that construction funds will be available in the near future.

Laguna Honda boulevard between Dewey boulevard and Seventh
avenue, which has heretofore been improved by a temporary pavement
awaiting the settlement of large fills, is now scheduled for improvement
under WPA operations, and will represent an investment of $71,000.

Another important thoroughfare scheduled to be accomplished under
WPA operations is Geneva avenue from Prague street to the County
line. This will complete a cross-town thoroughfare leading from Mis-
sion street to Bay Shore boulevard, and will prove of considerable
importance as a traffic artery.

There are now pending before the Park Commission preliminary
plans submitted by the City Engineer, approved by the District En-
gineer of the California Highway Commission, for a road crossing
Golden Gate Park from Nineteenth avenue to Park-Presidio boulevard.
This will be an important link in connection with the Golden Gate
Bridge traffic, and it is hoped that an early agreement may be reached
between all concerned in so far as Golden Gate Park is affected, so
that work can start on this project.

Department of Public Health.

It is of interest to note that this Department is now in its fifth year,
under the efficient direction of Doctor J. C. Geiger, Director of Public
Health.

It may be remembered that 1934 saw the lowest general death rate
(11.6) and the lowest infant mortality rate (33) ever recorded here.
This year, although general health conditions as determined through
the interpretation of vital statistics are excellent, these two rates for
general mortality and for infant mortality are slightly higher than
they were for 1934 (12.3 and 34). In interpreting the slight elevation
of the general death rate, it must be borne in mind that the increase
is not due to an increase in the incidence of communicable diseases.
Also, it is of considerable interest to know that the rate for 1935, for
San Francisco, will again be the lowest for any major city, a position
of no little significance, particularly when it is realized that this rate
is considered the most sensitive single index of efficiency of public
health work in the field of public health administration. Of interest,
also, is the fact that the birth rate, slightly higher in 1934 than dur-
ing the years immediately prior thereto, although low in San Francisco
for many years, has remained at the same level for 1935.

The reported incidence of communicable diseases has been noticeably
low during 1935. With the exception of measles, chickenpox and
whooping cough, in which instances there were slight increases, the
reported incidence was within the normal expectancy. The specific
death rates for communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, remain
low, as evidence of a changed order, over what conditions presented

( 35 )

several decades ago. During the Century of Commerce, celebrated last
October, a brief study was made of the vital statistics of early San
Francisco compared with those of today. It was found, for example,
that the high general death rate of 27.6, in 1868-1869, was due in no
small extent to such factors as more than 700 deaths due to smallpox;
several hundred due to diphtheria; nearly 100 due to typhoid fever.
Contrast these data with those of 1935, with a general death rate of
less than 12, with no deaths due to smallpox, three due to diphtheria,
and four due to typhoid fever. While it is true, I am told, that diseases
rise and fall in their incidence, there can be little doubt that public
health measures have played important parts in the achievement of
lowered incidence of the reportable diseases, year in and year out, as
seen in San Francisco. It is important to remember, however, and I
am sure that those of us who remember our own experience of the early
years of this century, will appreciate the fact also, that we must not
relinquish our efforts for the control of communicable diseases. We
must strengthen our position and concentrate our efforts to attain
greater effectiveness in a continual campaign to achieve the goals
of preventive medicine in "preventing disease, prolonging life and
promoting physical and mental efficiency through organized community
effort."

Child health activities during 1935 were quite extensive. Nearly
60,000 physical examinations were carried out by school and health
center physicians and more than 7200 immunizations were completed
against smallpox, diphtheria, together. More than 30,000 children,
unable to be provided with private dental care, were given care in the
Dental Hygiene Division. Home visits, made by the 74 public health
staff nurses, in addition to health center and school nursing duties,
totalled more than 90,000.

In the technical services, also, large numbers of inspections were
made; these comprised inspections of housing, plumbing and gas
appliances, dairy ranches, pasteurizing plants, food stores, et cetera,
on routine inspections as well as on the basis of complaints.

During 1935 the Department initiated legislation, which is now
effective, providing for fees for milk inspection services, thereby bring-
ing nearer to full realization the provisions of the New Freeholders'
Charter, requiring that the various inspection services be self-sustain-
ing through fees payable for the service. It is pointed out, however, in
this same relation, that legislation has not yet been passed providing
for inspection fees covering the cost of meat and market inspection as
now carried out by the Department of Public Health.

Even though, for nearly two years, the Director of Public Health
has limited admissions to the San Francisco Hospital to true medical
and surgical emergencies, the average daily patient census in that
institution has exceeded the limit of 950, necessarily imposed on the
basis of the budget for the current fiscal year and the costs for opera-
tion of the hospital to approximate 1050 at the present time. The
Laguna Honda Home has continued to care for but slightly less than
2000 patients per day, and the Hassler Health Home for approximately
85 patients per day. The Emergency Hospital Service provided emer-
gency care for 65,000 during the year.

I am confident that you, as well as I, recognize the excellent quality
of the work done by the Department of Public Health, but I want to
emphasize, also, that I have had no little pleasure and personal satis-
faction, which I believe you will share, in the knowledge that San
Francisco's Department of Public Health has received national recog-
nition for good work and efficiency. The American College of Surgeons,
holding their first clinical congress in the West in 1935, chose San
Francisco because of its excellent hospital facilities.

Not the least of these was our own San Francisco Hospital. The
comment that has come as a result of this meeting has been most

(36 )

commendatory, for the parts played by the Department of Public
Health and the San Francisco Hospital, particularly.

All San Franciscans may well be proud of the high prestige estab-
lished by San Francisco's Department of Public Health.

Juvenile Probation Department.

The report of the Chief Probation Officer R. R. Miller, covering the
fiscal year 1934-35, indicates an increase both in volume and expendi-
tures, compared with the previous fiscal year. During 1934-35, a total
of 1597 cases passed through the court, involving the care of 3366
children, as of June 30, 1935. The Detention Home during the fiscal
year cared for 1742 children as against 1848 of the previous year.

The budget allotment for 1934-35 was $575,000, of which $553,514 was
actually expended. Reimbursements from the State, parents, etc.,
amounted to $169,509. This showed a substantial decrease over the
expenditures of the previous year, which totaled $561,341. The cost
of State School commitments was $16,650 against the $20,000 allotted
this office. The duties of this office have been performed competently
and economically.

County Welfare Department.

The County Welfare Department has the administration of State and
County Aid to the Needy Blind and the Needy Aged and Half-orphan
Aid for children living in their own homes with their widowed mothers.

This department, in November, 1935, had under its care 269 blind
persons, the cost of whose care totaled $8,937.50 for that month. Of
this amount, 50 per cent will be returned to the county by the State.

There were 469 families served through the Half-orphan Aid section
of this department, involving 1076 children. The amount paid for the
care of these children during November was $19,983.79, and of this
amount approximately 55 per cent is to be refunded by the State.

The list of the aged has greatly increased since passage of the
amended State law covering Old Age Security, which became effective
in September. The November figures show 2133 aged receiving aid
totaling $61,739.54, as compared with $34,658.85 in October, 1934. The
State will refund 50 per cent of this amount to the county.

The staff of the Department, under the able direction of Miss Eugenie
Schenk, has been doubled, principally to meet the additional work
involved through the increase in Old Age Security applications. With
the influx of hundreds of new applications, the task has been difficult.
The work is now well organized, however, and investigations of all
qualifying applications under way. From September 15th, when the
new law became effective, until the end of November, 466 old-age cases
had been recommended for aid.

I wish to commend the formation of clubs in the three divisions,
blind, aged and widows, the purpose being to promote a better under-
standing between themselves and the Department staff. The three
groups are self-governing and are interesting themselves in bettering
conditions, improved legislation and increased understanding in general,
and particularly in the classes they represent. They have speakers
and social gatherings, and make an altogether fine contribution to the
life of the community. This department is breasting its increasing
problems most satisfactorily.

Coroner.

The Department of the Coroner, Dr. T. B. W. Leland, had an unusually
active year, there having been 2578 cases, or 264 more than in 1934.
Suicides numbered 2.02, being 14 less than in the previous year;

(37)

autopsies performed. 1S67. or 166 more than in the last report: inquests.
2504, an increase of 423.

Coroner Leland reports 111 motor vehicle fatalities as against 106
in the year 1934, and four deaths of children under 15 years of age, as
compared with eight, the previous year.

The Coroner's office is one of the most economical and efficiently
conducted departments in the municipality.

Purchasing Department.

The Purchasing Department occupies an important and strategic
position in our government. A large proportion of the cost of govern-
ment is represented by the cost of materials, supplies, equipment and
contractual service. Our charter recognizes purchasing as one of the
major functions of municipal management and provides for the full
development and advantages through centralized control. The care and
skill exercised in buying is reflected in the operating costs of all de-
partments. During the past twelve months our purchases were divided
among eighty-five definite classifications. The purchases were the result
of the receipt of 56,700 requisitions from our city and county depart-
ments and are exclusive of requisitions received from the State Emerg-
ency Relief Administration. San Francisco Emergency Relief Organiza-
tion and the Public Works Administration. The budget for the Buying
Division of the Purchasing Department is approximately $2$. 500 for
the past year. Considering the fact that the Department spent approxi-
mately $5,500,000 in the twelve months period, the actual cost, per
dollar expended, is less than six-tenths of one per cent, to cover the
cost of negotiating the purchase, a trifling expense, compared to the
direct savings achieved.

The purchasing unit of the City and County is departmental in its
makeup and in addition to the buying division it consists of repair
shops for the maintenance of the municipality's automotive equipment.
garages, warehouses, storerooms and a gas and oil service station.

The Department, by virtue of Charter provisions, is charged with
the responsibility to exchange used materials, supplies and equipment
to the advantage of the City and County and to sell personal property
belonging to the municipality on the recommendation of any depart-
ment head that such articles are no longer required or are unfit for
use. During the past year, these sales have reached the very consider-
able figure of ?129,

The fact that so large a share of the responsibility for maintaining
low departmental costs rests upon the Purchasing Department im-
poses upon its personnel an unusual obligation to see that its service
shall be dependable, adequate and economical. That obligation has been
splendidly sustained, by Thomas A. Brooks and his assistants.

Agricultural Commissioner.

This Department inspects all incoming shipments of plants, bulbs,
and seeds. During the year, there were inspected 1426 shipments, mak-
ing a total of 12,352 packages. Twenty-two shipments were rejected.

Over 4000 stores were inspected, involving rejection of 109 packages
of fruits and vegetables and reconditioning of 510 packages. Egg in-
spections resulted in 96 crates of eggs being remarked. Wholesale
market inspections, which occur twice daily, resulted in the rejection,
reconditioning or remarking of 24.460 packages. All produce for city
institutions is inspected on receipt. In this work, there were 1501
inspections, with 23 rejections, mostly eggs and butter.

Fees collected, approximately $8,600. Certificates of inspection issued.

(38)

7278, for intra-state, interstate and foreign shipments. Commissioner
Carroll and his deputies have given a good account of their
responsibilities.

Disaster Preparedness.

Section 25 of the Charter provides that in the event of a public
emergency threatening the lives, property, or welfare of the citizens,
it shall be the duty of the mayor to summon, organize, and direct the
forces of any City department, or employ other persons, or do whatever
else he may deem necessary for the purpose of meeting the emergency.

Realizing the importance of this Charter provision and the magni-
tude of the work that would be necessary in the event of a conflagra-
tion, or other calamity, I proceeded immediately after the Charter be-
came effective to study this provision. Many conferences were held in
my office with representatives from Federal, State and civic organiza-
tions, as well as heads of City departments. Finally, on November 7,
1932, a joint conference was called and as a result of this conference, I
appointed a Committee on Disaster Preparedness, with Chief Admin-
istrative Officer as Chairman.

This Committee held weekly meetings over a period of several
months, and assembled a great mass of data relating to this subject.
Foremost in the minds of this Committee was a plan of preparedness,
providing for the organization of the necessary man power and the
assembling of the necessary equipment and supplies, so that in the
event of an emergency, this organization, properly equipped, could
function immediately.

To avoid confusion and dual control, this organization must have one
responsible head, which in accordance with Section 25 of the Charter,
shall be the Mayor. The existing emergency departments of the City
government, Police, Fire and Health, augmented and assisted by other
City departments and outside forces, will function during any emerg-
ency as they do under normal conditions. A plan including these basic
principles has been submitted to me for consideration. In the near
future I shall make such recommendations as deemed advisable on
this subject.

Millions of dollars expended on additions and improvements to the
reservoirs and pipe lines of our domestic water supply, extensions to
the High Pressure for Fire Protection, improvement to the Auxiliary
Fire Alarm System, Sewer System and Boulevard System, are all part
of a great Preparedness Plan.

San Francisco-San Mateo Livestock Exposition Buildings.

In 1931 Agricultural District No. 1 A, comprising San Francisco and
San Mateo counties, was organized by prominent citizens of the two
counties. The Legislature appropriated $250,000, contingent upon a
like appropriation being made by San Francisco and the purchase of a
site for the exposition buildings. I recommended the appropriation
after 55 acres of land had been purchased by private citizens and
deeded to the State of California as a site for the exposition. This
agricultural district has in hand approximately half a million dollars
in cash, and has procured an appropriation from the PWA of $199,000,
being 30 per cent of the estimated cost of the labor and materials
going into the first unit of construction. In addition to this, it has
procured $289,000 from WPA for doing the grading on the site, which
work is in progress now. It has been officially decided that the live-
stock horse show and racing events of the forthcoming Bay Exposi-
tion will be conducted at this livestock pavilion. Plans are not fully
perfected, but at this writing it is believed that this work will have
progressed to such a point that a great international livestock and horse
show will be held in San Francisco in the latter part of the year 1936.

(39)

San Francisco is the hub of the livestock industry of the west, which
is the second in importance in California. Every civic and improve-
ment club and organization together with the Down Town Association,
Chamber of Commerce, labor organizations, etc., endorsed this project
and its successful financing and its success is assured by united
sentiment in its favor.

The appropriation and the endorsement of this project had the unani-
mous vote of your Honorable Board, and my entire approval.

1938 International Exposition.

During the past year we have witnessed the fruition of plans for our
great exposition which will mark the completion of the Golden Gate
and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridges. Over adverse paths, the
project has been carried to the point where within a few weeks we.
shall see with our own eyes, the beginning of its physical creation.

The City administration has cooperated at every turn with the pub-
lic-spirited citizens who make up the directorate of the San Francisco
Bay Exposition, a non-profit corporation, organized in July, 1934, to
carry out the World's Fair idea.

As recently as December 27 the Public Utilities Commission awarded
the contract for the construction of an administration building which
will house all exposition activities. This building will be erected on
City property at Bush and Stockton streets and its use by the exposition
has been made possible by the Board of Education which leased the
property for five years to the Public Utilities Commission for this
specific use. This splendid three-story reinforced concrete structure
will be a permanent asset to the City. Meanwhile, a total of more than
six million dollars in Federal grants under WPA and PWA have been
made available for the exposition. The signing of the necessary con-
tract for the reclamation of the Yerba Buena Shoals, where the ex-
position will be built, is expected daily and the early part of 1936
will see the construction of the exposition in full swing.

I am glad that the opportunity to assist in this great undertaking
came to me and I assure my fellow citizens that I shall leave no stone
unturned to aid in the prosecution of this magnificent undertaking.
In building her exposition San Francisco will again prove, I fully
believe, that she is the "City That Knows How" and that she can
again give the world a fair which will eclipse in beauty, importance
and educational and entertainment value, anything of the kind ever
created.

To my fellow citizens, I extend appreciation for their part in making
possible the exposition and to the officers and directors of the San
Francisco Bay Exposition, I offer our sincere thanks for their un-
selfish devotion to their task.

A thoughtful perusal of the facts and figures contained in this mes-
sage cannot fail to convince you of the solvent condition of our be-
loved City. Together we shall use our best gifts and our most sincere
efforts to keep San Francisco in the vanguard of the world's cities,
as to her ability to keep out of debt and still give her citizens every
protection and cultural advantage. I count confidently on your co-
operation with the Executive Department, during the coming year,
upon which we enter with such optimistic spirit.

Respectfully,

ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor.

Annual Message

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm O F m—m——~—

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO THE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF THE

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Eleventh
Nineteen Thirty-Seven

Annual Message

O F

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO TH E

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

O F TH E

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Eleventh
Nineteen Thirty-Seven

Letter of Mayor to Board of Supervisors

Office of the Mayor, Sax Francisco.

January 11, 1937.
The Honorable the Board of Supervisors, San Francisco, California.

Gentlemen: As provided in Section 25 of the Charter of the City
and County of San Francisco, I attach hereto my annual report of
our municipal affairs, together with such comments and suggestions
as seem to me timely and advisable.

It was my pleasure to observe, in my last message, that local con-
ditions had shown considerable improvement over the previous year.
The same is true for 1936, and the immediate outlook holds much of
encouragement.

Doubtless, the most important event in San Francisco's progress
since 1869, when we were linked to the world by the completion of
the transcontinental railway, was the completion and dedication,
November twelfth, of the world's greatest bridge. The second largest,
that across the Golden Gate, and having a suspension span of 4200
feet, the longest in the world, will be ready for dedication in May.
Since the opening of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, San
Francisco has been visited by an enormous stream of traffic from
distant parts of the State and from almost every State in the Union.
This stupendous mass of steel and stone and its sister structure, across
the Golden Gate, mean the dawning of a new era for our beloved City.
Their massive strands of woven wire uplift and hold in midair solid
and spacious highways that make of our adjacent Bay counties one
great, uninterrupted metropolitan family.

By the possession of these engineering triumphs, which have con-
quered the deep Bay waters and defied the turbulent currents of the
mighty Pacific, may we not truly vision a united municipality — united
in resolute purpose and in a common desire to hasten the destiny
to which our superb Bay, harbor and hinterlands entitle us.

These mighty new thoroughfares also demand that we anticipate
and prepare to cope with the changes and new competition they will
bring about. To maintain our prestige as a dominant community, we
must have, and without delay, the best solution modern trends can
furnish in means for rapid transit. Hand in hand must go City plan-
ning and beautification, so that no community amongst those to which
we are now bound so closely shall offer superior, more economical or
more beautiful residential advantages and surroundings. Let us strive
unitedly, unselfishly and unswervingly toward this goal.

Rapid Transit.

The most important, urgent and vital problem confronting our citi-
zens is that of providing, within San Francisco, a rapid transit system.
Existing traffic congestion, coupled with future congestion which in-
evitably will result from operation of the two Bay bridges, make it
imperative to take immediate steps, providing a transportation system
for the great masses of our own people, dependent upon public vehicles
to reach business and home.

We have already reached the time when it is impossible to add to
the railway service on Market and other streets during evening rush
hours. This means that the people of San Francisco can expect no
relief from the present intolerable street railway crush which occurs
every evening around five o'clock. We have no leeway under present
conditions for transporting either those already residents or the ex-
panded population which we invite to settle here.

(3)

With the four tracks necessary for surface cars on Market street,
we have only two lanes for automobiles. In some sections of the City,
the evening rush hour schedule speed for street cars is below four
miles an hour and sometimes even this snail's pace cannot be main-
tained. Since the opening of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
to automobile traffic, there has been an appreciable increase in the
number of street cars turned back before completing their run, in
order to maintain anything like uniform service. These conditions
are working a physical hardship on the people of San Francisco, in
addition to which they are losing a vast amount of valuable time in
their daily travel between their homes and places of business. Under
these unbearable conditions and with no promise of future improve-
ment, we may lose many of our residents, particularly after the com-
mencement of transbay train service early in 1938. These trains will
not only render it possible to reach desirable residence districts in
East Bay cities in less time than to many of our local residence areas of
equal desirability, but what is of equal importance, they will also
provide a comfortable service.

The Public Utilities Commission has carefully studied this problem
and has submitted a definite plan which will give fast and convenient
service to all quarters of the City and in addition remove the two
outer tracks from the surface of Market street, thereby doubling its
present capacity for automobile travel. The estimated cost of these
high-speed subway lines is $52,700,000. While this is a large sum,
I sincerely feel that we can better afford to make the expenditure than
continue to bear the losses incident to insufficient, uncomfortable and
slow transportation for the million people who daily ride on the street
cars of our City.

The plan of the Public Utilities Commission has been criticized and
many substitutions have been suggested, not one of which has stood
the test of careful examination in the light of our present and future
problems. The study of these other plans has only more fully con-
vinced me that the Public Utilities Commission has carefully analyzed
our transportation needs and submitted a plan fully meeting our needs
and capable of extension to serve the greatest population likely to
live within our boundaries. It bears the approval of two of the fore-
most consulting engineers of the United States, Messrs. Robert Ridg-
way and Alfred Brahdy, who have submitted a report to this City.
Your Honorable Board has already provided $50,000, with which the
Public Utilities Commission is now preparing plans and specifications,
to prevent delay, once construction funds are available.

Over $100,000,000 has been spent in bridges for the convenience of
people coming into and leaving San Francisco, yet the number daily
using these facilities is but an inconsiderable fraction of those who
are absolutely dependent on local public transportation to reach their
places of business and the shops in our downtown district, which are
second to none in the United States.

Decentralization of business, decrease in real estate values, higher
taxes, business and payroll losses may result from lack of adequate
and fast transportation between the downtown district and the out-
lying areas of the City.

Rapid transit has been discussed sufficiently long; it is now time for
action and I urge the immediate approval of the Public Utilities Com-
mission's plan and the submission to the people of a proposal to issue
the necessary general obligation bonds. Present rates of interest are
far below normal and prompt action may make it possible to secure
federal aid. Let us therefore, within the next few months, see the
beginning of this most important public undertaking, thereby guar-
anteeing to our people definite improvement in local rail transportation
and partial relief from the intolerable congestion now experienced in
our downtown streets.

(4)

In addition, it is essential that we enter into negotiations with
the privately-owned street car systems of San Francisco, toward bring-
ing them into a single unified system of mass transportation, under
municipal operation, which will insure the universal transfer privilege
to our people.

Vehicular Traffic.

Another pressing problem is the need for easy and adequate flow of
vehicular traffic on the streets of San Francisco.

We have before us the report of Dr. M. S. McClintock, recommend-
ing expenditure of several millions of dollars for the immediate exten-
sion of two dead-end streets across Market street and many millions
more for the eventual construction of eight such additional crossings
between Second street and Van Ness avenue.

Considerable controversy has arisen from this report. Study of it
is progressing, with marked differences of opinion being expressed
as to its efficacy.

I urge your Honorable Board to consider these facts:

First: That the welfare of the entire City be considered in estab-
lishing certain downtown areas as zones where automobiles may not
park. The experience of many large cities in the United States, notably
our neighbor Los Angeles, shows the necessity for and practicability
of non-parking zones which have been established and successfully
maintained without loss to merchants or inconvenience to the public.

Second: That your Board continue to support a provision in the
next budget for widening of certain streets which would lend them-
selves to the relief of congestion on main arteries.

Third: That your Board give serious study to the designation of
certain streets as one-way arteries, which will speed up traffic and
reduce the toll of accidents and deaths, which is annually becoming
more menacing.

Power Distribution.

A well-conceived proposal for municipal distribution of electric
energy, generally, as a part of the Hetch Hetchy Project, known as
Plan 7, has been presented by the Public Utilities Commission. This
plan for municipal distribution of power was approved by Honorable
Harold L. Ickes, Secretary of the Interior, as in full compliance with
the requirements of the Federal Hetch Hetchy Grant, known as the
"Raker Act", and has been approved by your Honorable Board of
Supervisors for presentation to the voters at the forthcoming munici-
pal election.

I believe it to be in the best interests of San Francisco and its
citizens that they approve this proposition, because it will be the
means of reducing the rates charged for electricity and will earn a
handsome profit for the public treasury.

Harbor Control.

San Francisco's harbor has been at a disadvantage, in competing
with other harbors in California and along the Pacific Coast, because
all these major ports have been locally administered. San Francisco's
harbor has been under the control of a State board, not necessarily
responsive to local requirements. This condition remains an intoler-
able one for the people of San Francisco.

Under our Charter, machinery for the setting up of local harbor
control is provided. It calls for appointment by the Mayor of three
members of a Harbor Commission and their appointment of a Manager.
We can give as good an account of harbor management, under munici-
pal management, as we do of other public utilities.

(5)

I cannot concede that the maritime traffic of San Francisco should
be state-controlled, while all other California ports, free to work out
their own destinies, are flourishing.

I urge that your Honorable Board actively campaign to establish
municipal control of our harbor for the betterment of port conditions
and the advancement of San Francisco's trade and commerce.

Bridge Tolls.

Much discussion prevails as to reducing toll charges on the San
Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. My view is that both this structure
and the Golden Gate Bridge, removing century-old barriers to traffic,
and serving, economically, not only the Bay counties, but the people
of the whole State, should be toll-free.

Motorists of our City have contributed generously to the improve-
ment of the State's Highway System, affording marvelous road facili-
ties to outside counties. These bridges are essential units in the
statewide system. San Francisco, owing to its restricted area, has
paid disproportionately to benefits received, to statewide highway
construction.

Paying for these two bridges with State gasoline tax funds would
merely be allotting to San Francisco its just share of State highway
facilities. It is as absurd that our neighbors should be subjected to
an admission charge into our City as it is to make our own citizens
pay to go out. All California will benefit from making the bridges
toll-free.

Golden Gate Bridge Fiesta.

In keeping with the colorful history of this great State, a Golden
Gate Bridge Fiesta is being arranged by the citizenry of this and
neighboring counties to commemorate this remarkable engineering
achievement as well as to mark the linking of San Francisco with
those great communities forming the Redwood Empire and the teem-
ing counties southward.

I urge upon your Honorable Board your hearty support of this
Fiesta celebration and I suggest that you join in inviting the President
of the United States to be our guest upon this memorable occasion.

Labor Difficulties.

For your record, I attach copy of my national broadcast over the
Blue Network of NBC, January 5, 1937. (This broadcast is in print and
copies may be had upon application.)

I have been in constant touch with the situation confronting our
waterfront. Likewise, Mr. Florence M. McAuliffe, whom I appointed
when the strike was imminent, to keep in constant touch with repre-
sentatives of the contending parties, has ably performed this duty, at
all times forwarding the aims of this Administration in our endeavor
to end this and other industrial strikes.

Police Survey.

At the request of the Police Commission, I caused to have made
during the past four months a thorough survey of the organization
of the San Francisco Police Department as a basis for reorganization
of the department. This survey included a study of the police de-
partments of four large eastern cities, namely, Chicago, New York,
Boston and Detroit, as well as an intensive examination of the organi-
zation, functions, procedure, and personnel of the San Francisco
Department. The survey was conducted under the general direction
of Controller Leavy with the assistance of Mr. W. L. Henderson,
Personnel Expert of the Civil Service Commission, and Captain Chas.

(6)

Skelly, Secretary of the Police Commission. The Bureau of Govern-
mental Research offered its services in connection with the survey
and participated in the work through its director, Mr. William H.
Nanry. The Bureau also offered to bring to the survey group as a
consultant member Mr. Bruce Smith of the Institute of Public Admin-
istration of New York City, which offer was accepted.

The report of this survey was formally submitted to me last week
but I have been in touch with the work as it progressed and I am in
general accord with the conclusions incorporated in the report.

The primary objective of the recommendations is to improve the
quality of police service rendered by the department to the citizens
of San Francisco. The President of the Board of Police Commis-
sioners has stated his intention to proceed immediately to make the
changes recommended in the report, some of which cannot be made
until the Charter is amended.

When the changes have been made, the organization structure of
the Police Department will be materially strengthened and improved
and will make possible more effective supervision and more direct
responsibility for police administration in San Francisco. By simpli-
fication and improvement of procedure and organization, approximately
125 officers, representing an annual payroll in excess of $300,000,
would then be released from present duty and assigned, in so far as
needed, to provide additional protective facilities in the now inade-
quately protected outlying districts and additional traffic service in
the central traffic zone, all to the benefit of the community.

I am convinced that the changes to be made will provide a more
effective and efficient police service and will, in addition, permit sub-
stantial savings, rendering unnecessary the pending request of the
department for 50 additional patrolmen for traffic duty.

Relief.

During the past year the method of administering relief in San
Francisco has not materially changed. The Emergency Relief Com-
mittee, under the Chairmanship of F. M. McAuliffe, continued respon-
sible for the unemployable unemployed. The philosophy of the organi-
zation has continued to be based on the two principles, first that only
those eligible for relief under our State and county laws should receive
it, and second that such relief should be adequate and humane. Dur-
ing the year, studies have been made as to methods of administering
relief in other communities so that San Francisco might be assured
of the most advantageous system of giving relief. Changes in cost
of living have been watched and adjustments made in relief allow-
ances.

The case load of the social workers has been reduced so that ade-
quate investigation and real assistance to the needy in meeting their
manifold problems have been possible. The case load was 2488 as of
January, 1936, with $69,922.89 expended. In November, 1936, the load
was 1873 with an expenditure of $54,793.55.

During the year there has been a general statewide movement to
return the administration of all direct relief to the counties, with
the State contributing part of the cost. This plan would, of course,
leave the entire work relief program under the jurisdiction of the
Federal Government. The Emergency Relief Committee has played
a very active part in these negotiations, attending meetings held
throughout the State in order to protect the interest of San Francisco
in this vital matter. At the present time bill3 are being drafted by
various groups, including the State Supervisors Association, which
will permit the amalgamation of all direct relief activities under one
permanent State department which will be responsible for the super-
vision of State monies spent by the county departments.

(7)

In order that San Francisco will be ready for this new set-up the
Charter Revision Committee is following my recommendation of a
year ago to the end that a Charter Amendment will be submitted
which will give San Francisco a permanent Public Welfare Depart-
ment in conformity with the best modern welfare practice. San Fran-
cisco has every reason to be proud of the way in which its relief
needs have been met in the past.

The experience which has been gained in the handling of these
complex problems leads me to believe that we can look forward to
an efficient, sympathetic program covering the field of public welfare
in San Francisco.

Federal Cooperation.

The Works Progress Administration program continued throughout
1936 with all those eligible gainfully employed. The total case load
varied from time to time with a total top quota of 22,500 men and
women in early February to minimum quota of 14,000 during the
last three months of the year.

As stated in my last message, San Francisco received as its quota
of the $4,800,000,000, appropriated for federal works projects, approxi-
mately $37,000,000. This program did not get under way until late
in October, 1935, so that for the calendar year 1936 there was available
$27,709,685, plus $5,996,602, of new projects approved by the Federal
Government during the year. These new projects consisted of an
addition to the San Francisco Airport, a new machine shop, West
Portal Library, general repairs to public buildings, miscellaneous play-
grounds, extension to the "L" car line, Lyon Street Approach to the
Golden Gate Bridge, Marina Seawall, and a general rehabilitation of
the meadows in Golden Gate Park. With $33,706,287 available, we
were permitted to carry on a highly constructive program, and we
are in a very healthy financial condition, as the New Year begins.

During 1936, we have completely rehabilitated the San Francisco
Hospital, Relief Home, Civic Auditorium, Hall of Justice, Coroner's
Office, Kezar Stadium, thirty fire houses, Harding and Sharp Park
clubhouses, with a permanent water supply for the latter; de Young
Museum, Golden Gate Park Stables, High School of Commerce Athletic
Field, San Francisco Airport at Mills Field, Kezar Basketball Pavilion
and many lesser projects.

New construction, all of which is rapidly nearing completion, con-
sists of the Lake Merced Boulevard, five miles long; Sigmund Stern
Recreation Center, what is destined to rank among the country's
finest Zoological Gardens, at Fleishhacker Playfield; the Angelo J.
Rossi Playfield, the Douglas, Thirty-eighth and Fulton, Thirtieth and
California, Gillman, Ninth and Ortega, Ingleside, Twenty-fourth and
Douglas, Julius Kahn, Ocean View, Helen Wills and Margaret Hay-
wards playfields, and a modern clubhouse at Glen Park.

Yacht Harbor, Aquatic Park, and the surfacing of the roads in
Golden Gate Park represent large expenditures of money, of lasting
benefit to the community. These projects are being finished rapidly.
Over twenty modern tennis courts and eight new convenience stations
have been completed and added to our Park and Playground resources.

Over twenty miles of widening and reconditioning of our street
system such as Oak, Fell, Brannan, Green, Guerrero, Market street,
Shakespeare, Wawona, Golden Gate Park Panhandle and Van Ness
avenue for its full length, will be completed soon.

Many of our relief workers have been employed on the Federal
Government Reconditioning program in the Presidio and on work
connected with the approaches to the Golden Gate Bridge both in
San Francisco and Sausalito.

The Sewing projects, located at Mission and Otis streets and Gough
and Grove streets, have continuously employed four thousand women

(8)

for the past year in making garments and bedding for the needy.
Many surveys worthwhile to the City are under way, and provide
work for the so-called "white collar" group on relief.

We are indeed fortunate to have most of our able-bodied unemployed
working in gainful occupations, thus maintaining their morale, and
in addition the spending of large sums of money has been a stimulus
to all local business interests.

The cordial relationships established in previous years with Federal
officials have continued. They have responded helpfully and gener-
ously to any reasonable request we have made.

I would, indeed, be remiss in my duty as Mayor if I did not pub-
licly acknowledge the constant assistance of our fellow citizen, George
Creel. Because of his familiarity with federal affairs, he has given
unsparingly of his time in the furtherance of our program in Wash-
ington, voluntarily and without remuneration.

I wish to acknowledge the splendid courtesy and cooperation of
Frank Y. McLaughlin, State Administrator, WPA, and his staff of
assistants, and I know you will join in these hearty thanks for their
constant cooperation.

1939 Golden Gate International Exposition.

The past year has seen marked progress in the development and
actual construction factors of the Golden Gate International Exposition
of 1939 which will celebrate the completion of the San Francisco-
Oakland and Golden Gate Bridges and the inauguration of the first
trans-Pacific air service.

The City administration has given its full support and cooperation
to the citizens of the San Francisco Bay region who comprise the
directorate in charge of this first great World's Fair in central Cali-
fornia in nearly a quarter-century.

Overcoming practically all obstacles, the 1939 Exposition has been
officially launched on a secure basis during the year, and is now a
definite part of the vast program of projects now under way in this
region.

The Exposition will be a $40,000,000 project. Reclamation of the
400-acre island, which was started February 11, 1936, with official
ceremony, is now one-third completed, under the direction of the Corps
of Engineers, U. S. Army. The three-mile long rock seawall, being
constructed by Bay district quarry operators, is more than 50 per
cent completed. The island will be completed by mid-1937.

This will mean that San Francisco and the Bay communities will
have one of the world's premier air transport terminals on the world's
largest artificial island, when the Exposition is concluded.

Under the direction of the Pacific Utilities Commission, and with
a resident Commission Engineer on permanent duty at the Exposition
site, the Department of Works for the Exposition has made important
headway on the Fair construction schedule.

Work is proceeding on schedule on the $800,000 airport terminal,
to be Exposition headquarters during the Fair period, and on the
two $400,000 hangars, to be used as exhibit palaces in 1939. Construc-
tion of the ferry slips, and other ferry terminal units, is moving
rapidly ahead.

Total construction program set under way during the past year
aggregates more than $8,000,000 with major contracts, awarded
through the Public Utilities Commission, including five major exhibit
palaces; driveways, sidewalks and paving and ferry terminal building.

The Exposition company, a non-profit corporation in charge of the
World's Fair management, has moved into the new three-story struc-
ture at Bush and Stockton streets, which will revert to the Board
of Education at the close of the Exposition. Its use was made pos-

(9)

sible by the Board of Education leasing the property to the Public
Utilities Commission for five years for this purpose.

I am glad to have had the opportunity to share in the initial steps
of this great undertaking which will mean so much to the citizens of
San Francisco and all California. More than one thousand citizens
are directly or indirectly employed in the early stages of building
our 1939 World's Fair, and its plans, aspirations and realization will
mean a greater San Francisco and a larger and richer metropolitan
Bay area, of inestimable value to future generations.

To my fellow citizens I wish to express my appreciation for their
whole-hearted support in the formative period of the Exposition, and
to give them my pledge that this Administration will work shoulder
to shoulder with the officers and directors of the Golden Gate Inter-
national Exposition of 1939. To the Exposition's official staff I wish
to accord congratulations and sincere thanks for their progressive
record of the past year and for their loyalty and adherence to the
task of creating another World's Fair on San Francisco Bay.

The quality of the services rendered by our City officials and their
efficient and courteous subordinates is of an order so noteworthy that
I deem it an honor, as well as my duty, both as Mayor and in behalf
of our citizenry, to tender our sincere, grateful thanks for the manner
in which they have discharged their duties to the City and County
of San Francisco during the past year.

Respectfully,

ANGELO J. ROSSI,

Mayor.

(10)

Mayor's Annual Message

Office of the Mayor, San Francisco.

January 11, 1937.
The Honorable the Board of Supervisors, San Francisco, California.

Controller.

The following information from the reports, of Controller Leonard
S. Leavy indicates that a sound general financial condition exists in
San Francisco, and its fiscal affairs continue to show a marked
improvement.

The peak of tax delinquency was reached in 1933, which amounted
to 5.37 per cent, while the tax delinquency for the year ended June 30,
1936, was only 2 per cent. The delinquency on the first installment
of the current year's taxes, which were paid as of December 5th last,
shows a reduction from 3.87 per cent to 2.83 per cent, or a 27 per cent
decrease in delinquency when compared with the payments for the
same period of one year ago.

The Cash Reserve Fund of the City has grown to reach a total of
$2,929,990.

The buyers of City and County bonds and tax notes have expressed
their confidence in San Francisco's financial soundness in effective
interest rates on securities sold during the year. Tax notes were sold
for as low an interest rate as 13/100 of 1 per cent, and bonds were sold
for as low an effective interest rate as 2.47 per cent. The average
effective rate on bonds for the entire year was 2.68 per cent.

San Francisco's requirements from taxation for bond interest and
redemption have decreased from the peak burden of 96.9 cents in the
tax rate of 1934-1935 to 86 cents for the current period.

The tax requirements have decreased from the peak amount of
$33,177,550 in 1930-1931 to $30,964,430 for the current year, despite
extraordinary added expenditures for relief, hospitalization, needy
aged, blind, widows' pensions, etc., which increase amounts to approxi-
mately $3,000,000 over the period.

The Controller has discussed with me his audit program for the
various departments for the ensuing year. Recurrent departmental
requests for additional funds have placed an increased burden on this
division of the Controller's office for investigation and report to me
prior to submission to the Board of Supervisors.

The Board of Supervisors, concurring with the recommendation ex-
pressed in the Controller's Report for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1935, authorized, and I subsequently appointed, a committee to study
Charter and State law provisions for recommendations as to addi-
tional requirements and clarification of the existing structure. This
committee has been meeting regularly and is analyzing the problems.
We believe the products of its efforts will prove of a decided service.

The Tax and Legislative Committee which was created by Resolu-
tion No. 1328 of your Board has been continued. During the interim
period between sessions, it has met and has been in constant contact
with the fiscal, legal and legislative representatives of other communi-
ties, discussing current legislative problems and planning recommenda-
tions in connection with the present session of the Legislature.

Radio Broadcasts.

By the courtesy of the National Broadcasting Company, I have, for
the past four years, sent weekly messages over Station KGO from my

( 11)

office in the City Hall. These broadcasts have concerned the actual
functioning of the several departments of the municipality, and have
created great interest among students of municipal government and
others in our large radio audience, as hundreds of communications
attest.

No doubt, these weekly messages have also been of value to our
fellow citizens, explaining, as they do, the uses to which their money
is put, the scope and duties of all departments of the municipality and
their plans for future betterments.

San Francisco was the first city of importance to seek this means
of enlightenment for its people, and I wish again to admit our great
obligation and tender our sincere thanks to Mr. Don Gilman, vice-
president, N. B. C, for his constant and cordial courtesies in allowing
this series to be carried on weekly and absolutely without cost.

San Franciso-Oakland Bay Bridge.

For eight decades, San Francisco has visioned a bridge to provide
a speedy, safe and direct connection with our sister cities of the
East Bay.

On November 12th, last, the dream became a reality when the great
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge was opened to automobile and
truck traffic.

Since that eventful day, over one million vehicles have sped over its
broad decks, 200 feet above the blue waters of San Francisco Bay.
Its construction in three and a half years is a matter of amazement,
even amongst engineers. Until early in January, 1936, no steel had
been placed for the decks of the West Bay crossing, nor was cable
spinning completed until late that month. On the East Bay crossing,
the cantilever span was yet to be completed. Also under construction
were the Yerba Buena Island tunnel and the San Francisco and East
Bay approaches.

This meant that, were the bridge to be opened by the designated
time, it was necessary in less than eleven months to erect two miles
of double-deck steel on the West Bay crossing; complete the exacting
and ticklish task of closing the longest cantilever in the United States;
pave the entire suspension spans and cantilever structure; complete
the tunnel construction; give the greater portion of the bridge three
coats of paint, finishing with the aluminum coat; install miles of elec-
tric cable and 1117 lamps; complete the Administration Building with
its elaborate mechanism, and the toll plaza; erect dozens of convenient
roadway directional signs; landscape the Fifth Street Plaza and grade
and fill several miles of land bordering the East Bay approaches. All
this was accomplished, and the entire structure was completed with
the exception of the installation of railway facilities.

Director of Public Works Earl Lee Kelly, who assured football fans
almost two years previously that the bridge would be completed in time
for the "Big Game" at Berkeley in 1936, kept his word; and thou-
sands motored swiftly to and from the annual gridiron classic.

Since the opening of the bridge, free parking space for motorists
using the structure has been provided beneath the San Francisco
approaches from First to Third streets, between Bryant and Harrison,
a great convenience for shoppers and business men.

Clearing the property between Mission and Clementina and Beale
and Second streets is under way, preparatory to the construction of
the spacious San Francisco terminal for the electric commuter trains
and the train viaducts.

San Francisco has truly much to which to look forward, as we
enter this new year and turn our eyes toward that great structure that
extends such a friendly gesture toward the East, with which for the
first time and for all times we now have direct highway connection.
Too much cannot be said in commendation of Chief Engineer Chas. H.

(12)

Purcell, the engineers and officials, and the thousands of skilled hands
which made this dream a reality.

Golden Gate Bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge is rapidly approaching completion. This
amazing bridge is already attracting world-wide attention because of
its length of span, 4200 feet, and on account of its architectural beauty.
Its great towers, rising 750 feet above the waters of the Pacific, rep-
resent an entirely new departure in the art of bridge building, and it
is receiving the acclaim of artists, architects, engineers and laymen
alike for the vision and courage of the Chief Engineer in creating
these magnificent towers.

Second only to its magnificence as a beautiful structure is its record
of safety. With the bridge more than ninety per cent completed, only
one life has been lost. Credit for this remarkable record must go to
Chief Engineer Joseph B. Strauss, who, with the approval of the Board
of Directors, ordered the installation of a giant safety net underneath
the bridge for its full length of nearly a mile. Already the net has
saved the lives of ten men who would have fallen 250 feet to certain
death but for its presence. It has also had the effect of instilling con-
fidence in the workmen and thus speeding up construction. This rec-
ord-breaking achievement has received the commendation of every
agency interested in the saving of human lives, and has established
a precedent which will be followed in all major bridge construction of
the future.

The prediction that this magnificent structure would be ready by
May first will be realized. A great program for its dedication is
planned for May sixth. The cost of the bridge will be about $27,000,000,
not inclusive of roads and approaches.

Federal Projects.

San Francisco's Federal Office Building was dedicated in March last.
This building is of classic design, in the Roman Doric style, and
occupies the entire block bounded by Fulton, Leavenworth, McAllister
and Hyde streets, the main elevation facing on Fulton street. The street
elevations are of gray California granite. The building has a struc-
tural steel frame and is of five stories, attic and basement. Mr. Arthur
K. Brown, of San Francisco, was the architect.

Construction was started November, 1933, and it saw completion in
March, 1936. Cost of completed structure, $2,600,000. A large group
of Federal activities formerly scattered about the city are now con-
solidated and housed in this building.

The new San Francisco Mint is strategically located on an elevated
solid rock and occupies the entire block bounded by Duboce, Buchanan,
Herman and Webster streets. It is constructed of reinforced concrete,
with granite exterior, and is of four stories. Plans were prepared by
the Treasury Department, Gilbert Stanley Underwood having been the
consulting architect. Work was started August, 1935, and the antici-
pated completion date is February, 1937. Cost of the completed struc-
ture will be $965,000. The Mint activities now carried on in the present
old Mint building will be transferred to the new building, where the
latest equipment will be available for protection and coinage.

Municipal Court.

In San Francisco's twelve Municipal Courts, 11,176 civil actions were
brought and 23,646 small claims actions — a total of 34,822. In its crim-
inal department, 95,083 proceedings were filed, as against 84,249 in
1935. This report is for the period January 1 to December 1, 1936.

Receipts reached the total of $187,496.10, with expenditures $179,-
333.60, the excess of receipts over expenditures being $8,162.50 — com-

(13)

pared with an excess of expenditures over receipts in 1935 of $18,163.22.
In the Civil Department 459 official actions were filed and in the
Small Claims, official and pauper actions, 19,589. For these, no fees
are collected.

Office of the Public Defender.

Although the Department of the Public Defender of the City and
County of San Francisco experienced an increase in the volume of work
handled, this was accomplished with but little added expense.

The number of cases handled in all courts totaled 1135, with a total
of 2384 appearances, 211 more than in the year previous. In the Supe-
rior Court, 432 cases were handled; in the Municipal Court, 646; in
the Juvenile Court, 49.

Persons unable, financially, to employ counsel, who were given advice
in civil matters, numbered 3003, largest since the department was estab-
lished. The Public Defender attended two coroner's inquests and 11
insanity hearings. The office operates with the Public Defender, two
deputies and a stenographer, and the cost of its maintenance for the
year past was $17,614.09.

Police Department.

San Francisco's 44 square miles of corporate territory is policed by
1297 men, this number including every rank in the Police Department,
and men assigned to clerical duties, traffic and detective work.

Despite the tremendous increase during 1936 of tourist visitors,
local crime has shown a marked decrease. The record indicates that,
in the fiscal year 1935-1936, burglaries numbered 1861, as against 2748
in the preceding year. Thefts fell from 5542 in 1934-1935 to 5080 in
1935-1936; auto thefts from 3690 to 3503. The record of auto recoveries
increased from 98.62 per cent to 99.08 per cent. Although property
reported lost, through crime, reached the total of $293,299 in 1935-1936,
a slight increase over the year previous, the percentage of recoveries
rose 6 per cent last year.

In the realm of traffic safety, we may well take pride in the record
made in 1935-1936. In June last, the U. S. Department of Commerce
issued a bulletin summarizing deaths through automobile accidents
in 86 large cities of the country. This bulletin shows San Francisco as
the leading metropolitan city in rate per cent of fatal accidents per
100,000 population, our rate being 5.2 per cent. Our death rate in this
classification has always been consistently low, but the significance of
the present commendable showing can only be grasped by a perusal of
the report referred to. For instance, the typical cities of Milwaukee,
Philadelphia, New York, Detroit, Boston, Minneapolis, St. Louis,
Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles show an average of 18 per cent per
100,000.

Injuries due to automobile accidents have been correspondingly low,
the number during 1935-1936 having been 3859.

During the year 1936, a survey of police districts was made to
ascertain data, to guide the relocating of station houses, as nearly as
possible in the centers of districts.

The entire waterfront, from Jones street to China Basin Channel,
sections of which had previously been divided amongst four different
police districts, is to be placed under command of Harbor District, to
centralize control, in event of such an emergency as the waterfront
strike, and to facilitate patrol. This planned realignment of boundaries
will promote the efficiency of Radio Patrol in responding to emergency
calls.

Modern educational methods in police work aim at crime prevention,
as well as detection and apprehension of criminals, and the aim of the
San Francisco Department is the application and knowledge of laws

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and ordinances, physical fitness and "extra-curricular" activities,
designed to nip crime at the source, to bring into closer harmony and
cooperation the police and the public. Such activities include the
Captains' Conference, consisting of supervised instruction in their
duties and responsibilities, and taking in the entire field of police
training. Such conferences will be had in every rank in the Depart-
ment and are under the supervision of the California State Department
of Education's Bureau of Trade and Industrial Education.

A Police Traffic School, attended by 130 members of the Department,
operating its automobiles, has been conducted during 1936. The course
embraces State and City traffic laws, prevention of accidents, correct
driving habits, proper collection and presentation of evidence and ade-
quate compilation of accident reports. In First Aid training, 400 mem-
bers have completed the course and passed American Red Cross
examinations.

Training of members in Public Speaking has enabled them to
improve vastly their contacts with the public, and more especially
through talks to school children. Thus, friendly relations are estab-
lished and avoidable accidents, due to prankish and careless play,
minimized.

Building up the morale of delinquent youth, through the Big Brother
Bureau, is an important development in the educational work of the
Department. Cooperation with many groups, on the premise that proper
guidance and influence will make good citizens of them, is bearing
fruit. Two officers are regularly detailed to this work among 600 boys
between 12 and 20. San Francisco is a pioneer in this important work.

I cannot speak too highly of the work of our School Traffic Patrol,
pioneered by the San Francisco Police Department, and now followed
nationwide. Ours is composed of nearly 3000 boys who direct school
traffic for their more than 100,000 schoolmates. Since its inauguration,
not one San Francisco school child has been killed or seriously injured
in traffic accidents on intersections supervised by these alert young-
sters. They not only protect their charges but build leadership for
themselves.

W. P. A., during 1936, appropriated funds for the improvement of
quarters occupied by the Police Department in the Hall of Justice
which include provision for additional garage accommodations and
betterments, a new unit of the Communications Bureau, rendering
possible the handling of telephone, teletype, telegraph and radio mes-
sages with the strictest privacy and swifter dispatch. Absolutely mod-
ern is the new "show-up room", permitting identification of prisoners
without the viewers being seen by them. Many other needed improve-
ments have been installed by the aid of W. P. A. funds.

From the beginning of 1936 until November first, San Francisco
received more than 1,000,000 out-of-state tourists, as compared with
550,000 for the corresponding period in the year previous. Out-of-state
automobiles numbered 166,480, as against 86,800. Tourists entering by
automobile numbered 461,400, compared with 227,400 in 1935. San
Francisco also welcomed and entertained many national conventions
during the period.

The following statistics may prove interesting: prisoners brought to
stations, 49,432; fires attended, 3187; sick and injured taken to hospi-
tals, 4824; insane persons cared for, 234; lost children restored to par-
ents, 395; missing persons located, 2069; finger prints taken, 33,846.
Unusual demands were made on this Department in 1936, due to the
celebration of the completion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
and its attendant great parades and numerous program features.
It is worthy of comment that despite the huge crowds in the City at
those and other public gatherings, not a complaint of a pickpocket or
buncoman was reported to our police.

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I wish to call the attention of your Board to the fact that there is
no organized crime in San Francisco; gangsters and racketeers have
never operated here. Nor have we, at any time in our history, had any
kidnapings for ransom. Forty-eight and sixty-hour periods without
the commission of a single major crime are frequent and we have, in
fact, gone as long as six days without report of a major crime. This
is a record which, to my knowledge, has not been equaled by any other
metropolitan city in the country and it is not an accident, nor is it due
to apathy of criminals toward operating here. It is rather due to
the vigilance of the police and a tribute to the effective crime-preven-
tive work of the San Francisco Police Department.

San Francisco Fire Department.

Living up to its record of many years' standing, the San Francisco
Fire Department again gave proof of its efficiency throughout the past
year. Though the number of fire alarms have shown a decided increase
over last year, due unquestionably to increased industrial activities,
fire losses have been held to a minimum. Up to the end of November,
the department had responded to 8137 alarms of fire in this year, as
against 7605 in the same period last year, an increase of 532.

Improvement of the fire protection equipment has been accomplished
by the completion during this year of extensions of the high-pressure
water mains in the Hayes Valley district, the Noe Valley district, the
Clay Street Hill district and along the Bay Bridge Approach. Com-
pleted also were 19 underground fire cisterns of reinforced concrete
construction, each holding 75,000 gallons of water, and these are so
located that they form an unbroken line across the city beginning at
the foot of Van Ness avenue and ending at Dolores and 20th streets.

Much needed renovation of some of the older fire stations and the
installation of modern heating plants therein, with the aid of W. P. A.
labor, has also been progressing throughout the year and this also adds
its quota to the maintenance of efficiency in this department.

The routine duties of this important branch of the public service
have been carried on with unvarying promptness and to the satisfac-
tion of all.

Civil Service.

The Civil Service Commission has completed 50 examinations during
the past year, for which approximately 9000 applications were filed.
There are now in progress 39, which will be completed and lists adopted
within the next few weeks. There are at the present time 190 active
lists of eligibles in effect. During the past twelve months 564 perma-
nent certifications and 2024 temporary certifications have been made
by the Civil Service Commission from lists of eligibles on requisitions
received from various departments.

The Civil Service Commission has enforced without exception the
charter provision limiting emergency non-civil service appointments to
not more than 90 days in any fiscal year, and these emergency appoint-
ments have been kept at the very minimum through our policy of
temporarily appointing civil service eligibles from comparable lists
wherever possible.

They have conducted personnel surveys of the following depart-
ments: The Public Administrator, the Juvenile Court, the Juvenile
Detention Home, the Adult Probation Department, the Sealer of
Weights and Measures, the County Clerk, and the Sheriff. Surveys
have been completed, but reports have not yet been issued covering the
departments of the Assessor and the Recreation Department.

At present and for the past three months, members of the staff have
been assigned to the survey of the Police Department, which was

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undertaken under the general direction of the Controller at the request
of the Police Commission, with the approval of the Mayor.

Substantial savings have been effected through my suggestion, under
which vacated positions could not be filled or new positions created
until the Civil Service Commission had investigated and reported as
to the necessity for the service to be performed. They have investi-
gated the necessity for nine proposed new positions recommended by
department heads during the past year and, as a result of their reports,
I denied the request for the creation of five of these positions, thereby
effecting savings of $S,640. Of twelve vacated positions the investiga-
tions and reports enabled me to withhold approval for the filling of six
of these at a saving of $14,400 per year.

Board of Education.

During the past year the San Francisco Unified School District has
progressed not only in the material realization of a building replace-
ment program and improvement in methods of instruction, but also in
the betterment of teaching conditions.

It was a matter of regret to the community that Dr. Edwin A. Lee,
Superintendent of Schools since December 15, 1933, was called to the
post of Director of the National Occupational Conference with offices
in New York, necessitating his resignation as Superintendent, effective
July 1, 1936. After consultation with the presidents of Stanford Uni-
versity and the University of California, the Board of Education elected
Joseph P. Nourse, principal of Galileo High School, to succeed to the
vacancy created by Dr. Lee's resignation. In the few short months he
has been in the Superintendency, Mr. Nourse has demonstrated his
fitness for this important duty. He brought to the position a wealth of
experience, gained by more than 30 years in the San Francisco schools,
together with a breadth of vision and deep understanding of school
problems, which presage his success.

Mr. Nourse named as his chief deputy superintendent Mr. John F.
Brady, a man recognized as an outstanding leader in the teaching
profession throughout the State.

At the beginning of the school year 1936-37, the Board of Education
approved a restoration of teachers' salaries to the 1930 level and a
return of salary increments in the lower brackets, as a partial step
toward the complete return of the increment system, abandoned in 1931
because of depressed conditions.

Within the next year there will be built at Balboa Park the first unit
of buildings to house students of the San Francisco Junior College,
established in 1934 under the presidency of A. J. Cloud. The Board of
Education is to be commended for the recognition it has given to the
imperative needs of this new institution, now inadequately housed in
buildings in widely separated parts of the city.

Resumption of classes in August, 1936, saw the opening of two new
schools, George Washington High and Marina Junior High, which
immediately resulted in reducing congestion and overcrowding in San
Francisco's seven high schools.

In addition, there were completed during the calendar year six new
fireproof buildings from the proceeds of the bond issue of 1934, together
with additions to George Washington and Marina plants, and buildings
to house industrial arts classes. Completed also during the school year
was the auditorium at the Daniel Webster Elementary, and a girls'
gymnasium at Polytechnic High. Within a few weeks there will be
opened the new Sunshine School for crippled children and children
inclined toward ill health, and an eight-room addition to Aptos Junior
High School. It will be noted that, excepting for a high school and a
junior high school, the program is one of replacement. Within two
months the new Agassiz Trade School, representing San Francisco's

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recognition of the need for training apprentices in trades, will open its
doors, welcomed by employer and prospective employee alike.

Superintendent Nourse, with the approval of the Board of Educa-
tion, has addressed himself to the task of improving instruction by
reducing the teaching load in classrooms to the elementary level. This
move has received the support of parents, pupils and taxpayers, as
reflected in the unqualified endorsement of the metropolitan press.

It was a matter of satisfaction to me, as Mayor, to renominate as
Commissioners of Education, Hon. Charles A. Derry and Mrs. Lloyd W.
Dinkelspiel, whose terms expire this month. It was pleasing to note
that both nominations were confirmed by the citizens by large majori-
ties, at the general election held in November.

In law, the responsibility for making the school budget resides in
the Board of Education. The members of the Board of Education have
shown by their acts in the past that they are not unmindful of the
children on the one hand nor the taxpayers on the other, in making
up the school budget. Certainly, the schools have made tremendous
progress under this type of organization and any suggestion to alter
this situation to scatter fiscal control should be undertaken only after
surveying carefully the benefits which have accrued to our public
schools under the present system.

Employees' Retirement System.

The Retirement System included 11,279 employees at June 30, 1936.
During the fiscal year ending on that date, 159 members were retired
because of age or disability, and 113 active members died. Many of the
positions thus vacated were not filled. During 1935-36, 113 retired per-
sons died, and on June 30, 1936, there were 1648 persons receiving
allowances under the Retirement System, this number including aged
and disabled members retired from the several departments and also
retired firemen and policemen, and their widows, where death resulted
while in performance of duty.

The administration of the State Compensation Insurance Law, as it
affects all City employees, is centralized under the Retirement Board
in accordance with the new Charter, instead of being handled by the
various departments in which injured persons are employed. Reports
of all injuries among approximately 11,750 employees are made to the
Retirement Office and claims are adjusted and benefits paid in accord-
ance with the State law and Charter, the City and County now acting
as self-insurer in relation to all employees. During the fiscal year
1935-36, 904 compensation cases were handled, under which either
weekly benefits or medical expenses were paid. Approximately 1498
additional cases were handled which were not of sufficient severity to
qualify for compensation benefits of any kind. The investments of the
Retirement Fund at June 30, 1936, totaled $17,768,000, as against
$15,927,000, as of June 30, 1935.

Assessor.

The announced objective of the Assessor's Office during the 1936
assessment season was a more equitable distribution of the tax burden
as between real property and personal property.

As a result of that policy, $10,500,000 was added to the tax base
this year.

This partial attainment of the announced objective minimized the
increased burden which owners of real property faced when the 1935
legislature eliminated motor vehicles and securities from local tax
levies. The payroll for permanent personnel was, in 1929-30, $151,381.25;
1936-37, estimated, $118,833.18, saving $32,548.07. The payroll for the
seasonal staff as budgeted for the fiscal year 1929-30, $139,500; 1936-37,

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$87,000, saving $52,500, the actual reduction having been $85,048.07.
This represents one cent in the tax levy. In addition to this reduction
in operating costs, it has been possible to effect further continuing
economies running into thousands of dollars annually by simplification
and standardization of practice and procedure.

Tabulated Comparison of the 1935 and 1936 Assessment Rolls.

11)86 1985 Increase Decrease

Land $325,333,772 $ 324,693,226 $ 640,546

Improvements 334,818,024 328,005,341 6,812,683

Tangible Pers. Prop.

other than Mtr. Veh. 73,763,997 62,296,630 11,467,367
Tangible Pers. Prop.

Motor Vehicles*... 10,888,604 $10,888,604

Solvent Credits 122,620,479 107,819,778 14,800,701

Stocks and Bonds*.. 170,658,950 170,658,950

Total $856,536,272 $33,721,297 $181,547,554

Less Veteran Ex 6,172,383 6,172,383

Total Non-Operative. $850,363,889 $1,004,362,529 $27,548,914 $181,547,554
Property Assessed by

the State Board of

Equalization 126,712,050 137,453,360 10,741,310

Total $977,075,939 $1,141,815,889 $27,548,914 $192,288,864

♦Stocks-Bonds, Motor Vehicles taxable in 1935, exempt from

local levy in 1936 Loss 164,739,950

Two hundred and fifty thousand people visit the Assessor's Office
each year. For the greater convenience of those people — and in the
interest of economy and efficiency — the first step toward modernization
of the office has been taken. The improved working conditions made
possible by the physical rearrangement of the office, coupled with the
program for improvement in procedure made possible by the office re-
arrangement, will pay dividends to the taxpayers. It will be possible
to serve the needs of the quarter of a million customers at a lower cost
and with a higher degree of efficiency than was possible under the
working conditions of other years.

Sheriff.

Sheriff Daniel C. Murphy's report covering the year 1936, to Decem-
ber first, shows: Cash received, $183,616.95. Process and papers filed
and issued numbered 17,966. Number of personal property sales con-
summated, 139; amount, $42,913.75. Writs of possession received or
filed, 278; possession to plaintiff, 225; unexecuted, 21; ejected, 32.

The monthly average population of County Jails, numbers 1, 2, 3 and
4, was 695.4. There were 401 male and 27 female Federal prisoners,
with a daily average of 60. For maintenance and subsistence of Federal
prisoners, during the fiscal year ended July 1, 1936, the total received
was $20,648.53.

Transported from the Detention Hospital to various state correc-
tional institutions, in 1936, to December 1, were 777 male and 355
female prisoners. From our County Jails, 148 male and 7 female
prisoners were transpoi'ted to such institutions. Transportation of
these persons is under direct supervision of the Sheriff. While State
law permits a sheriff to retain surplus moneys received from such
sources, the Sheriff has deposited, during the term under review, $4,775
with the Treasurer of the City and County of San Francisco.

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Under Ordinance 7061, Bill 860, drafted at the request of Sheriff
Murphy, and approved January 13, 1936, profits from County Jail
stores, sold for convenience of prisoners, amounted to $4,185.66, which
sum was deposited with the Treasurer.

Public Utilities Commission.

San Francisco and its municipal administration have reason to be
pleased at the record of its municipal utilities during 1936. I refer
briefly in the following paragraphs to the operations of individual utili-
ties during the past year.

Municipal Railway.

The Municipal Railway has completed its twenty-fourth year of
operation and continues to furnish excellent service to patrons and
residents of San Francisco.

Revenues of the Municipal Railway have continued to increase.
Operating revenue for the year 1936 amounted to $3,130,000 — an
increase of nearly $100,000, or approximately 3 per cent, over the pre-
ceding year. This healthy increase in street-car riding for the third
successive year indicates that we may be assured it will meet all of
its obligations in the future and continue to operate profitably with
the 5c fare. It is gratifying to note that our Municipal Railway is
probably the only street-car system in the United States operating with
a five-cent fare and free transfer privileges which shows a profit for
the year 1936.

The net income for the year 1936 amounted to $160,000 as against a
net income of $109,000 for the year 1935. The sum of $400,000 was
expended for maintenance and reconstruction. Two modern buses
were purchased to improve service and replace obsolete equipment.
Eighteen blocks of track were reconstructed.

Work has been started on the extension of the "L" line from 46th
avenue and Taraval street to a terminal on Wawona street near
Fleishhacker Playfield, which will add approximately one-half mile
to this line.

Completion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the installa-
tion of rapid transit for commuters over this bridge will necessitate
the rearrangement of transportation systems in San Francisco. The
Public Utilities Commission has recommended that a subway system be
constructed, designed to furnish transportation for the residents of
San Francisco that will be at least equal in comfort and convenience
to the transportation offered to the residents of East Bay cities over the
new bridge.

On December 1st there was retired from earnings the sum of $100,000
in bonds of the Railway, so that there now remains an indebtedness of
only $1,600,000 against Municipal Railway properties, which are con-
servatively valued at $10,000,000.

Over 81,000,000 passengers were carried during the year. Street cars
and buses traveled a distance of 9,000,000 miles. Car service has been
increased during recent months.

Water Department.

The San Francisco Water Department, now in its seventh year as a
municipally-owned utility, continues to justify the wisdom of the people
in acquiring and operating their water system. Not only has the de-
partment continued to show a substantial financial gain, but water
rates have been lowered and standards of service improved.

Average water consumption for the system for this year has been
58.37 million gallons daily as compared with 52.52 million gallons daily
in the preceding year. The total consumption for this year exceeds
the peak consumption of any previous year by more than 2V2 million

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gallons daily, indicating that we may look forward to a normal annual
gain hereafter.

Water sales for the first ten months of this year amounted to $5,641,-
935, with a net profit of $2,622,421 as compared with $2,384,274 last
year.

In December, 1934, the Public Utilities Commission put into effect a
10 per cent reduction in water rates and during the past year this has
saved the 108,000 consumers nearly $700,000 in their water bills. The
increase in the amount of water sold has practically offset the loss of
revenue due to reduction in rates. The Public Utilities Commission
has inaugurated, effective January 1, 1937, special rates in the higher
brackets to new consumers and for increased usage in order to stimu-
late sale of the surplus water now available from Hetch Hetchy, with
the purpose of increasing revenues and thereby making possible further
rate reductions to residential consumers and small industrial users.
The Commission indicated that the new lowered rates will be applied
to all consumers at an early date.

Today, the Department has in storage in its Alameda and peninsula
reservoirs nearly 40 billion gallons of water, more than enough to sup-
ply the city's needs for two years. Since water from Hetch Hetchy be-
gan flowing into the peninsula reservoirs we have received from that
source approximately 33 billion gallons. Without this water from Hetch
Hetchy we would again be facing the possibility of an acute water
situation and be dependent upon the caprices of this season's rainfall.

Construction work under the $12,095,000 P. W. A. bond issue of 1933
has progressed satisfactorily. All but three out of a total of forty-
three major contracts included in this program have been let. Thirty
per cent of the material and labor costs has been contributed by the
Government. This has been an important factor in providing employ-
ment during the period of depression. Advantage was taken of the
Act of 1935 to obtain a grant of 45 per cent of the material and labor
costs on improvements contemplated under the regular Water Depart-
ment budget. A review of the financial results of the Water Depart-
ment's operations since the properties were acquired by the City shows
that up to November 1st of this year the gross income was $43,389,116
with operating expenses of $26,607,946. The net income amounting to
$16,781,170 was used as follows: Contribution to General Fund, $4,612,-
828; for bond redemption, $6,515,094; for additions and betterments,
$4,046,917; to surplus, $557,781; miscellaneous, $53,643.

Hetch Hetchy and Utility Construction.

Enlargement of O'Shaughnessy Dam to its full height of 430 feet is
proceeding rapidly. Completion of this work at a cost of about $4,-
000,000 will make the dam the second highest in the world and will
give Hetch Hetchy reservoir a capacity of 117 billion gallons, enough
water to supply the needs of San Francisco for almost six years. The
work is now about 60 per cent complete. It is expected that next
winter the dam will be ready to store water.

At Moccasin, a diversion dam has been completed at a cost of
$220,000 to preserve the purity of Hetch Hetchy water by diverting the
waters of Moccasin Creek, which drain from an area of cattle ranches
and may become contaminated.

Work is at present under way on an additional pipe line from
Crystal Springs reservoir in San Mateo county to University Mound
reservoir in San Francisco to provide greater water flow to the down-
town districts. The first section, from University Mound reservoir to
Millbrae, costing $1,300,000, is now complete and a contract has been
awarded on the second section, extending from Millbrae to Crystal
Springs reservoir.

Much of the Exposition construction on Yerba Buena Shoals is being
supervised by the engineering department. Work is going ahead

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rapidly on the ferry slips, both passenger and freight, and the two
hangars, the air terminal building and the exhibit palaces are under
construction.

At San Francisco Airport the department has supervised construction
on the $3,000,000 W. P. A. development that will provide additional field
area and seaplane facilities. Construction is nearing completion on a
new Airport administration building to cost $142,000.

Hetch Hetchy Power.

Last January, four plans for disposing of Hetch Hetchy power were
placed before the Secretary of the Interior at Washington. In April, he
issued an opinion that none of these plans conformed to his interpreta-
tion of the Raker Act. The Public Utilities Commission has since
submitted three additional plans for distributing Hetch Hetchy power,
in strict accordance with what they now know to be the requirements
of the Department of the Interior. Of these plans, that known as No. 7
was submitted to the Secretary by the Board of Supervisors and was
approved by him. Submission of this proposal to the voters has been
ordered by the Board of Supervisors.

In the meantime, Hetch Hetchy power is being delivered to the Pacific
Gas and Electric Company under the contract executed in July,
1925. The past year has been a very excellent one from a power pro-
duction standpoint as there has been ample water and nothing to cause
interruption in operation at full capacity. The outlook for continued
operation through the winter is excellent as there is still in storage
sufficient water to operate the power house until well into February,
which is after the time when additional runoff may be expected.

Street and Public Building Lighting.

The past year has seen a marked improvement in the lighting of
many of the City's streets, particularly those adjacent to the San
Francisco terminal of the Bay Bridge and the streets which have been
widened and improved with W. P. A. labor. A number of the streets
which have been widened in this way have been equipped with conduits
and in some cases foundations for street lighting standards. It is to be
regretted that the City's funds have been insufficient to provide cables
and lighting standards, so that full advantage could be taken of the
work already done by the W. P. A. On Market street west of Valencia,
it was possible for the City to supply cables and lamps and thereby
secure additional W. P. A. labor in making the installation. This re-
sulted in much better lighting, with the latest type of lamps.

During the year ending June 30, 193G, the per capita cost for street
lighting was 98 cents, the lowest in many years.

Several new tracts, opened for building construction, are being
equipped with complete street lighting systems at the expense of the
developer. In every case these lights are being deeded to the City
before being taken over for operation at City expense.

Rapid Transit.

Progress made on rapid transit during the past year has been unsatis-
factory. In July, 1935, Messrs. Ridgway and Brahdy of New York, the
most able authorities on the subject of rapid transit in the. United
States, submitted preliminary plans. This was followed by a more com-
prehensive plan prepared under the direction of the Public Utilities
Commission and submitted in May of this year.

The bridge to Oakland was opened to automobile traffic on November
12th and will be used for train traffic not more than a year hence. Fast
and comfortable service across the Bay will cause the exodus of a large
number of our people unless satisfactory local service is provided
between the downtown area and the residential sections. The bridge

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terminal station will be constructed during the year. Definite determi-
nation must be made as to subway construction so that terminal and
subway plans may be coordinated.

San Francisco Airport.

San Francisco Airport is rapidly approaching the status of a world's
major air base. With completion during 1937 of the seaplane base now
under construction, it will be of international importance. Pan Ameri-
can Airways, largest air transport line in the world, will establish its
Pacific Coast headquarters at our base, thereby permanently designat-
ing San Francisco America's aerial gateway to the Orient.

Work on the seaplane base has been progressing steadily during the
year, and I most strongly urge that every effort be bent to secure its
uninterrupted completion during the coming year. Recently, the first
unit in a new appropriation from the Federal Works Progress Adminis-
tration was given final approval. This will permit completion of the
fill and grading work on the site. Construction of a 5500-foot dyke
outside the present boundaries of the Airport, which will add about 45
acres of what is now tideland to the land plane port, is a part of the
work to be undertaken immediately. Dredging of the channel at the
seaplane base by the United States Army Engineers was given final
approval last month after negotiations with the Rivers and Harbors
Committee of Congress and the Chief of the Army Engineers in
Washington, D. C. The Army Engineers have agreed to provide one-
half the cost of dredging work and all future maintenance of the
channel.

Extensive plans for future development of the Airport proper have
been prepared. The federal funds that will be allotted are dependent
upon Congressional appropriations for W. P. A. work throughout the
nation.

In March of this year the new $141,000 administration building will
be completed. It will embody every modern convenience for passengers,
airline and airport personnel. Other major improvements of the past
year included the paving of runways and taxi strips, and the installa-
tion of new sewerage, water, drainage and lighting systems.

Transcontinental and Western Air, Inc., and American Airlines have
indicated a desire to operate service to San Francisco Airport. A per-
mit for these extensions must be granted by the Interstate Commerce
Commission.

Traffic figures at our air terminal for the calendar year 1936 show
decided increases over the previous year: passenger arrivals and de-
partures (excluding through passengers) numbered 67,700, an increase
of 38 per cent; air mail poundage "out," 503,300, an increase of 23 per
cent; air express pounds "out," 392,700, an increase of 17 per cent;
transport planes "in" and "out," 20,100, an increase of 23 per cent. At
the close of the year 31 transport arrivals and 31 departures were
scheduled at the Airport daily, with many "special sections" and itiner-
ant planes.

It is apparent from these figures, together with the steady and rapid
increase in air commerce during the past several years, that San
Francisco will soon require air terminal facilities in addition to those
of San Francisco Airport even though the latter is fully developed.
Looking" forward to these future requirements the Public Utilities Com-
mission is engaged in the creation of a second airport on the shoal
lands immediately north of Yerba Buena Island in San Francisco Bay.
With the assistance of federal funds an area of approximately 400
acres is being reclaimed and buildings which will eventually be used for
airport administration and hangars are being constructed. The site
will be used during 1939 by the Golden Gate International Exposition
and thereafter will be available for airport purposes.

(23)

A leading airplane sales and service organization, seven airplane
agencies and three flying schools are in operation at the San Francisco
Airport.

Office of the Treasurer.

The Treasurer has no discretion in handling the business of his
office. His duties must be performed in strict accordance with law.
All demands are promptly paid on presentation. Funds are always
available to meet current expenses. That is the fundamental principle
of credit. The credit of the City and County of San Francisco is
unquestionable.

Cash received during the fiscal year, $75,128,246.53. Cash actually
disbursed, $76,341,723.06. Total cash, $151,469,696.59. Interfund and
departmental accounts, $95,288,430.17. Interest earned on the deposit
of public funds in bank, $182,759.97. Cash on hand at the close of busi-
ness June 30, 1936, $27,007,920.45. Tax anticipation notes sold, $9,000,-
000. Some of these were sold at an interest rate as low as 13/100 of
one per cent per annum.

Inheritance tax collected for the State of California, $1,358,217.65.
Commissions earned and fees received for collecting the tax and de-
posited in the General Fund of the City and County, $13,589.65. Inheri-
tance tax is not a City and County function, but the State law provides
that the County Treasurer must collect the tax. The State allows cer-
tain fees and commissions for the collection.

Total office expense, including salaries, insurance fiscal agency, sta-
tionery, printing, telephone, telegraph, contractual services, and every
other item, amounted to $53,095.61. Office earnings independent of
City and County business, $13,589.65. Total cost to the taxpayers of
Treasurer's Office, $39,505.96. It costs approximately 25c to handle
$1,000 of actual cash in the office. Interfund accounting is not included
in this cost.

The National City Bank of New York is the designated fiscal
agency of the City and County of San Francisco to pay bond interest
and redemption to eastern bondholders. The bank paid in bond re-
demption $2,499,000 and interest $3,641,425.

The Treasurer is the custodian of the securities of the Retirement
System, which amount to $16,711,925.

The Treasurer is also by virtue of his office the Treasurer of the
Islais Creek Reclamation District located in the City and County of
San Francisco.

Parks.

Improvements to the park system of our City have been extensively
undertaken during the past year by the Works Progress Administra-
tion.

Probably the most notable, to the average San Franciscan, is the
paving of main drive in Golden Gate Park, from the Panhandle en-
trance at Baker street to the Beach.

The alteration and modernization of a crossover road from 19th
avenue in the Sunset district to 25th avenue in the Richmond district,
is also one of the outstanding improvements undertaken by this Federal
Department. It is expected that this road will be completed and in
operation in time to serve as an auxiliary approach road to the Golden
Gate Bridge. It is separated from the main drive traffic of the Park
by a modern crossover bridge, which our Grand Old Man of the Park,
"Uncle John" McLaren, will effectively beautify with appropriate
landscaping.

New meadows of many acres in extent are being graded, soiled and
planted in order to give athletically-minded San Franciscans more open
spaces in which to recreate.

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Over eight thousand seats for spectators are being installed at the
old polo field in Golden Gate Park in order that this ever-popular spot
may accommodate, in comfort, all who desire to witness the sport activi-
ties assigned to this recreation center.

Zoo improvements at the Herbert Fleishhacker Playfield, designed
during the past year to give San Francisco an up-to-date zoological
garden, are progressing favorably. It is hoped that, by summer, they
will be completed to the point of housing and exhibiting animals already
acquired for our greater zoo.

Many of the old play areas in the smaller parks and squares have
been modernized — tennis courts resurfaced and facilities created for
safer and better play.

Parking space for automobiles has been almost doubled at Marina
Park to meet the needs of the thousands of San Franciscans who daily
visit that locality.

Work on the Aquatic Park is progressing satisfactorily and it is hoped
that the public bathhouse will be completed within the coming year.

Construction work at the Palace of Fine Arts has now reached a
stage in its restoration where no concern need be felt for the final and
ultimate rehabilitation, in its entirety, of this classic structure — the sole
surviving architectural memory of our splendid Exposition of 1915.

In short, our park system has been greatly benefited by the generosity
of the Federal Government. While this work has been in the nature
of relief to our people, it also created for our citizens of the present
and the future wholesome and healthful recreation facilities, which are
a lasting and permanent benefit to the community.

Recreation Department.

Nineteen hundred and thirty-six marked the thirtieth year the
Recreation Department has served the people of San Francisco. Per-
sonnel under this Department numbers 341. The Commission has
jurisdiction over approximately 250 acres in San Francisco, and 200 at
Camp Mather, Tuolumne county, and supervises 80 units, as follows:
38 playgrounds and centers; 21 schoolyards; 2 open-air swimming
pools; 8 gymnasiums; 1 warehouse; 1 mountain camp; 9 playground
sites.

During the year four new play areas were developed for the citizens,
as follows: Cabrillo Playground, Clement Tennis Courts, Noe Valley
Tennis Courts, and Dolores Horseshoe Links. The Commission con-
tinued to purchase land for playgrounds in the following districts:
Bay View, Corona Heights, Eureka Valley, Haight-Ashbury, Sunset, and
Upper Noe Valley.

The department received, through cooperation of the Mayor's Office,
invaluable aid from the government under its W. P. A. program. This
extensive work included the erection of two community buildings,
major improvements and developments at 15 grounds, and the erection
of a pier, boathouse and swimming facilities on San Francisco Bay.
Development work proceeded on the following sites: Bernal, Crocker
Amazon, Gilman, Ingleside, Ortega, James D. Phelan Beach, Potrero
Hill, Angelo J. Rossi, and St. Mary's.

The year was marked by a decided increase in attendance at play-
grounds, and also at the municipal camp. The total increase very
nearly approached 300,000. Each of the following departments felt the
increasing popularity of activities in its own field: athletics, drama,
music, swimming.

Elaborate plans were formulated by the Superintendent, with the
Commission's hearty encouragement, for the Pageant of Youth, an Ex-
position of Recreation at the Golden Gate International Exposition,
San Francisco, 1939. The Pageant of Youth will bring together boys
and girls from all over the world to vie with each other in friendly

(25)

rivalry on the field of sport as well as in intellectual and artistic en-
deavor. It will show the enormous strides made in providing adequate
and diversified programs for the youth of all countries.

The department placed emphasis on its director-at-large plan, and
expanded its work in bringing about reduction in juvenile delinquency
by cooperating in the organization of eight district councils under the
Executive Coordinating Council.

The Mountain Camp at Mather was enlarged to take care of 300
guests daily. Additional facilities were absolutely necessary as hun-
dreds of families had been refused reservations owing to lack of space
last year. The Department of Public Health inaugurated an annual
inspection of the Camp.

The Commission appreciated the continued cooperative relations be-
tween various City departments. Mutual relations between the Com-
mission and the Board of Education were shown in May, 1936, when
recreation land in the Ingleside Playground site, formerly the County
Jail, was transferred for the San Francisco Junior College site.

Board of Permit Appeals.

Ushered in with the New Charter, the Board of Permit Appeals has
functioned for four and a half years. During 1936, the Board heard
102 cases. It has given adequate hearings to all interested parties,
besides according thoughtful consideration to all appeals; endeavoring,
in each instance, to satisfy to the fullest possible extent, within the
bounds of its authority, all who came before it.

Several important building projects have been speeded during the
year, by decisions of this Board, thereby furthering the reemployment
program of the City, so necessary and beneficial to our return to normal
conditions. The Board of Permit Appeals has justified its existence.

City Planning Commission.

Charter Section 116 makes it the duty of the City Planning Com-
mission to make, maintain and adopt a Master Plan for the physical
development of San Francisco, which plan shall make recommendations
for all its areas.

It is evident that if San Francisco is to progress along orderly lines
and make adequate provision for future growth, a Master Plan must
be developed and adopted. Expenditures for municipal improvements
could then be accurately budgeted over a period of years, and costly
duplications averted.

Charter Section 117 relates to the zoning of properties and Building
Set-Back Lines thereon. These provisions are being substantially car-
ried out. A study made this year of the Zoning Ordinance adopted in
pursuance to this section of the Charter indicated the need of several
amendments thereto. A new Ordinance has been drafted. It now re-
mains to be checked and transmitted to the Supervisors for action.

During the course of studies of proposed revisions to the Zoning
Ordinance, several obsolete zoning ordinances dating back to 1901 were
found to be still in effect. In April of this year the Commission recom-
mended to the Board of Supervisors the repeal of these ordinances.

The Commission-sponsored W. P. A. Land Use Survey of San Fran-
cisco will be completed within the next six months. It will show the
trend of growth during the past fifteen years since the inception of our
Zoning Ordinance. This survey will point out the necessity for making
wholesale changes in the plan of the zoning structure. Changes will
have to be made to conform to the normal growth and provide ade-
quately for that anticipated. Additional industrial areas must be made
available.

Seventy-nine petitions proposing changes in the zoning classification
of properties were filed this year as compared with fifty-one for the

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corresponding period of last year, or an increase of over fifty-three
per cent.

Four requests for modification or establishment of Building Set-Back
Lines were filed during the year. The Commission, on its own motion,
however, and in compliance with the Charter, established building set-
back lines on some two hundred blocks in the Sunset and Parkside
districts, thus completing a constructive work in this important resi-
dential section of the City. There remain other sections in which set-
back lines should be established and it is hoped to do this during the
coming fiscal year, if funds allow. The Commission has also established
set-back lines on streets that are to be widened. New buildings are
set back to the proposed new street line, thereby saving the City con-
siderable expense in moving the buildings when the actual widening
takes place, typical examples being Lombard street from Lyon street
to Van Ness avenue and Nineteenth avenue from Lincoln Way to Sloat
boulevard.

Charter Section 24 provides that no permit or license affected by
the zoning or set-back line ordinances shall be issued without the prior
approval of the City Planning Commission. The Bureau of Building
Inspection and the Fire Department have complied with this require-
ment. During the present year 7032 building permits have been ap-
proved by this Department. This number represents a substantial in-
crease over last year. Many of these permits necessitate investigation
before approval. It is planned to confer with other Departments of the
City and secure like collaboration as to permits or licenses they issue.

The Charter also requires the Department of Public Works to submit
all new subdivisions or replats of land to be laid out in building lots to
this Department for recommendation. San Francisco has not adopted
any comprehensive legislation regulating the subdividing of land, and
in consequence of this, little can be done to regulate the manner in
which new developments of unsubdivided areas can be governed. The
result is that property is still being divided into twenty-five-foot lots
and street layouts in these areas are not in conformity with the con-
necting street systems.

It is proposed to make an exhaustive study of subdivision regulations
in other cities, with the intent of preparing legislation for subdivision
control, applicable to the present and future conditions in San Fran-
cisco.

War Memorial Trustees.

Justification for the investment of the citizens of San Francisco
in constructing the War Memorial group of buildings was never more
apparent than during 1936. The War Memorial in this City is unique.
Monuments commemorating the World War and honoring the veterans
who participated therein have taken various forms throughout the
world but perhaps none of these nearly approach the actual usefulness
of these buildings. The activities in the Opera House, the Veterans'
Building and the San Francisco Art Museum during 1936 reached pro-
portions scarcely anticipated by the founders.

The outstanding achievement in the Opera House naturally is the
recently concluded grand opera season, which, according to the press
and to the vast public which enjoyed the entertainments, has been
acclaimed the finest opera season ever given in the West and flatteringly
comparable to the seasons in New York and world famous European
opera centers. Eleven operas were given in the subscription series. A
newly conceived series of Saturday popular operas found much com-
mendation, and four extra performances, all of the same high standard
and plane, drew capacity audiences. In fact, the opera season record
speaks for itself. There was not one empty seat at any of the seventeen
performances presented.

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Earlier in the year and equally notable was the season of three
weeks of popular priced operas presented by a traveling company of
very high merit, and including nineteen standard operas with splendid
casts and productions, with a price range from 50 cents to $1.00 for
the lest seats. This annual series proves to be greatly educational and
is a boon to music lovers who cannot afford the higher prices necessi-
tated in the regular season.

The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra made its reappearance as an
Opera House attraction after a year of idleness, and under the gifted
baton of the new conductor, Pierre Monteux, a season of ultra successful
concerts immediately reestablished this organization as one of the
most popular symphonic groups in the country. Twenty-four pro-
grams were rendered to capacity audiences.

Again outstanding musical stars of world fame appeared in the
Opera House, which you are again reminded is the only municipally
owned and operated structure of its kind in the^ United States.

Last year a very important function for the Opera House was added
to its activities. Through the courtesy of the Board of Trustees, the
building was opened to the public high schools of San Francisco for
graduation purposes, and this proved to be one of the most important
of the Opera House functions.

The Veterans' Building last year excelled what was deemed a record
year in 1935. Statistics compiled by the officials in charge of this
building revealed that at least 20 per cent more activities occurred
in the Veterans' Building during 1936 than in 1935. It is no un-
common thing to have twenty-five or more major meetings occupying
the various lodge and meeting halls in this building in a single night,
and it is not an unusual sight to find from 2000 to 5000 citizens
availing themselves of the facilities of this building in a single day.
During the last year the beautiful library and lounge (Green Room)
in the Veterans' Building was permanently opened, and the high
dignity and elegant atmosphere in this room have evoked a constantly
growing interest among veterans and their friends who find therein the
latest magazines, books, a piano, and such other attractions as intrigue
many members of veteran organizations to enjoy its quiet simplicity
every night.

The fourth floor of the Veterans' Building houses the San Francisco
Museum of Art. Planned as an educational center, with important
exhibits free to the public, and with free lectures and art courses for
the study of art and its sources, it is intended to complete the cultural
group in the Civic Center along with the Library and the Opera House;
the institution devoted to art with the same high standards in that
field as are established in the Opera House for music.

The Museum is a pioneer among American art palaces in that it is
open evenings. Over 100,000 visitors availed themselves of the four-
teen great galleries during the year, and some 24,000, interested in art,
attended lectures and gallery talks. Five hundred and seventy free
lectures were presented, and 115 meetings for special study groups.
Ten national exhibitions, 52 smaller exhibitions, and 15 exhibitions of
solely local art work were given during the year.

The Board of Trustees of the War Memorial contracted, during the
year, for the complete replanting and redecoration of the court and
gardens surrounding the War Memorial buildings, and even now with
the recent completion of this work it is obvious that the "Court of
Memory" and the War Memorial grounds will speedily take their
place among the most beautiful of San Francisco's notable landscaping
achievements.

The War Memorial buildings form an abiding tribute to all American
veterans. San Francisco's justly admired Civic Center is greatly en-
hanced by the graceful architectural lines of these buildings and the
beauty of their adjacent grounds. The War Memorial is operated by a
Board of eleven Trustees.

(218)

Art Commission.

During the past year the Art Commission has continued to play a
most important part in the cultural, esthetic and practical accomplish-
ments of the municipality, giving careful and considerate attention to
the numerous problems confronting them.

The average layman does not realize that even a lamp post cannot be
erected on City property until its design has been approved by this
Commission. Last year, submissions too numerous to mention ranged
from a small bronze plaque to the design for the $150,000 renovation
and acoustical improvement of the Civic Auditorium.

The number of submissions does not tell the whole story. Expe-
rience led to many improvements in procedure, all in the direction of
greater thoroughness and better cooperation between the various
Committees of the Art Commission, especially the Committees on Archi-
tecture, Painting and Sculpture, the City Departments, as well as the
Works Progress Administration and the public in general.

The year 1936 saw the Music Tax Subsidy established by the Charter
Amendment. Indeed, San Franciscans are indebted to this fund for
the reorganization of their famed Symphony Orchestra. Thousands of
our fellow citizens had the benefit of hearing a great series of Municipal
Concerts, with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and interna-
tionally famed soloists. These events were offered to the public at
prices within the reach of all. The enthusiastic response of the music-
loving public of our City to these municipally-subsidized concerts is
noteworthy.

The Municipal Chorus, whose number has greatly increased in the
last year, participated in several concerts with the Symphony and took
active part in musical events in the Opera House. Besides the concert
activities of the Chorus, there have been given by the director free
courses in ensemble singing and voice training.

The Municipal Band continued to give outdoor concerts all year in the
public squares and parks, as well as concerts for the "Shut Ins" in the
City's Hospitals, Laguna Honda Home and Hassler Health Farm.

With the approach of the Golden Gate International Exposition, the
judgment, discrimination and creative ability of each member of the
Art Commission will be constantly in demand. I am sure San Francis-
cans will lend full cooperation and support to this Commission.

San Francisco Museums.

The year 1936 was a very successful one in the development of the
two municipal museums of San Francisco. Over 1,000,000 people visited
the California Palace of the Legion of Honor and the M. H. de Young
Memorial Museum.

The most conspicuous event was the exhibition of paintings and
drawings by the great Dutch 19th century painter, Vincent van Gogh,
held in the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in May. The
exhibition, which contained some of the foremost works by the master
assembled from European collections, had previously been shown in
several leading American museums in the East. Wherever it ap-
peared, it met with extraordinary public response. Nowhere, however,
did the attendance figure reach the amazing height as in San Francisco.
No less than 227,540 people visited the exhibition during the 35 days
it was on view, thereby doubling the next largest figures of the New
York and Boston showings. The tremendous success of this exhibition
in San Francisco is indeed one of the best signs of the growing art
interest in our City. Other successful exhibitions likewise held in the
California Palace of the Legion of Honor were one of Contemporary
German Water-colors and one of California Paintings from 1850 to the
present day, as well as some private collections of old and modern

(29)

masters. The exhibition activity in the M. H. de Young Memorial
Museum was somewhat handicapped by the extensive work of recon-
struction going on there, which consumed most of the time of the
staff and most of the funds available. Nevertheless, a number of
smaller loan exhibitions, featuring early East Indian art, Pre-Columbian
Art from Central America, old and modern Japanese wood prints, Eu-
ropean and American contemporary prints, photographs, etc., provided
interesting material throughout the year.

In the California Palace of the Legion of Honor the outstanding col-
lection of French 18th century paintings and decorative arts, donated
in 1927 by Mr. Archer M. Huntington, has been newly installed in three
galleries of the east wing, with the result that the superb material is
now more clearly separated according to period and style and thereby
more adequately presented for study and enjoyment. Several important
works of art have been added to the permanent collection of the
museum. Mr. and Mrs. H. K. S. Williams of Paris, who through
numerous donations have shown in the past a very active interest in
the museum, have again generously donated four fine paintings. They
are: a man's portrait by Spain's greatest painter, Diego Velasquez;
a portrait of the Earl of Pembroke by Anthony Van Dyck; a group
portrait of three children by Cornelis de Vos; a large and exceptionally
fine still life painting with figures by Frans Snyders — the last three
all of the Flemish School of the 17th century. A beautiful bust of a
man by Antoine Houdon, the greatest French sculptor of the 18th cen-
tury, has been acquired for the Archer M. Huntington Collection from
funds provided by the donor. Mr. Huntington also gave a fine painting
by the renowned American painter, Childe Hassam. Finally, the
museum succeeded in acquiring a magnificent painting of the Virgin
and Child by the important Florentine Renaissance painter, Fra Barto-
lommeo. The permanent collection of the M. H. de Young Memorial
Museum also was enriched by valuable additions acquired from funds
left by the late Mr. M. H. de Young. Among them were two well pre-
served wings of an altarpiece by the Florentine 14th century painter,
Bicci di Lorenzo, several early California portraits, a precious early
Chinese bronze vessel, and various other smaller items. Most important
for the development of the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum was the
work, now nearly finished, of reconstructing and redecorating the
west, northeast and central wings of the museum. This project, carried
out by the W. P. A., includes the completion of three new galleries in
the central wing, which have since been installed and opened to the
public. In the west wing a large section of galleries has been built
for the display of Californiana, from furniture and dresses to historical
engravings and documents. Fine new rooms for ship models and war
material have also been provided there. In the northeast wing 16
excellent galleries, each individually decorated in keeping with the ob-
jects there to be displayed, have been built for the Far Eastern, South
American, Central American and North American Indian departments,
the permanent loan exhibition of the Society of Colonial Dames of
America, for textiles, plaster reproductions of famous sculpture, etc.
The installation in both the west and northeast wings is steadily pro-
gressing and their opening to the public is planned for February 1937.

The educational activities of both museums have been advancing most
satisfactorily, the response of schools and the general public to lectures,
radio talks, etc., by the museum staff having again increased consider-
ably.

In brief, the year 1936 has been a most fortunate one in the develop-
ment of our two City museums.

San Francisco Public Library.

This department reports great activity and accomplishment during
the past year. The circulation of books for home use and those used

(30)

for reference and research purposes at the main library and branches
amounted to approximately 9,000,000 volumes.

Public libraries today are entering an ever widening field of activity
and may be justly considered one of the most significant agencies
of education. Bearing this in mind, I felt it expedient to increase the
appropriation for this department from $424,092 to $454,3G0 for the
present fiscal year. With this amount the library was able to replace
all worn-out material and buy new books for the main library, twenty-
one branches and six deposit stations. Provision was also made for
the adjustment of salaries of a number of librarians who for the last
four years were filling positions at a lower salary rate than the
positions rated.

With the extra money allocated, binding has been brought up to
date and a large collection of pamphlets was bound in permanent form.
In this way, a considerable amount of useful material is made durable
and readily accessible to the readers.

Many needed improvements and repairs were made on the main
library and branch buildings. The Richmond and Mission branches,
two of the largest in the system, have been renovated extensively. The
children's rooms have been enlarged, staff quarters made more com-
fortable, and workrooms improved. These renovations and repairs
not only made the branches more attractive but also made it possible
to serve more effectively the large number of people who use them
in these districts.

Realizing the great need of more branches, it was my pleasure to
recommend that four be added to the library system. The one in
Visitacion Valley has been in operation for a year. The Parkside, West
Portal and Bernal branches were opened during the first part of this
year, with a model collection of five thousand volumes in each. These
branches were used to such a great extent that the collections soon
proved inadequate and it was necessary to supplement them with addi-
tions of new books as well as many volumes from the main, duplicate
collection. The circulation at each branch shows a steady increase and
reference collections are used constantly by the school children as
well as the adults.

In order to beautify the Bernal district, as well as to give it a
building commensurate with its needs, I recommended that $42,000 be set
aside from Federal funds for a permanent branch building. This
branch library is to be built in conjunction with a playground and will
make one of the most beautiful district centers of the City.

A similar amount has been set aside for a branch building in the
West Portal district. It is to be situated on a lot transferred from
the School Department on the west side of the entrance to the tunnel.
When completed, this building will also be a model library, both as to
beauty and utility. Mr. Frederick Meyer was appointed architect of
both buildings. The plans are at Washington, D. C, awaiting approval
and as soon as this is given, work will begin.

We have received a number of requests for other extensions to the
branch system, but it is impossible to grant any further requests until
we are in a position to set aside additional funds for this purpose, as it
is possible to maintain only the present set-up on current appropria-
tions.

Among the many gifts presented to the library during the year was
an extensive collection of music from the George E. Lask estate. This
will prove a valuable and useful addition to our music department.
The late Mr. J. C. Cebrian left the library a bequest to be used for
the purchase of books on Spanish literature. The Pan-American
Society presented the library with a number of books relating to
Pan-American subjects.

(31)

Chief Administrative Officer.

The administrative department of the City and County Government,
under the direction of Chief Administrative Officer Alfred J. Cleary,
has continued to show the progress so characteristic, since the in-
stallation of the Charter.

The Street Traffic Advisory Board has had many difficult problems
before it, due to unusual traffic congestions resulting from the increased
flow of traffic upon the completion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay
Bridge. Careful consideration has also been given to the traffic prob-
lems which will present themselves upon the completion of the Golden
Gate Bridge.

As a result of the continued cooperation among department heads
under the jurisdiction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the adminis-
trative departments have continued, during the past year, to function
economically.

Department of Finance and Records.

This Department includes the functions and personnel of the offices
of the County Clerk, Recorder, Public Administrator, Registrar of
Voters, and Tax Collector. The Director acts in a supervisory capacity
over the functions and personnel of the five offices as recited above.

Tax Collector.

Tax Collector Edward P. Bryant reports that real estate and secured
personal property taxes collected from January 1st to December 5, 1936,
amounted to $27,831,733.39; unsecured personal property taxes of 1936,
July 1st to December 5th, $959,824.78; Sunset tunnel assessments,
(last installment was due April, 1934), $556.98.

In the Tax Redemption Bureau, property redeemed, $851,389.47;
installment fund payments, $88,506.37; total, $939,895.84.

The Bureau of Delinquent Revenue collected unsecured personal
property taxes of 1935 and prior years and various delinquent accounts
from other departments, $130,000.40; for the Sonoma State Home and
Spadra, $9,569.95; for Delinquent License Bureau accounts, $5,468.46;
for partial payments on unsecured personal property taxes of prior
years," on deposit in bank, December 5, 1936, $13,437.90; a total of $158,-
476.71.

In the Bureau of Licenses, various licenses and inspection fees were
collected, amounting to $361,071.69. The total collections of the office were
$30,251,559.39; in the same period, 1935, $29,052,523.19; the increase in
collections over 1935 was $1,199,036.20.

Registrar of Voters.

The office of Registrar of Voters has been particularly busy during the
current calendar year with an entire new registration of voters, check-
ing nomination petitions and certificates of sponsors for candidates
for two primary elections, checking nine state initiative petitions and
preparing and conducting three regular elections.

The registration of voters starting January 2, 1936, showed a total
registration of eligibles to vote at the Presidential election 314,990, the
largest registration ever compiled by this department. In addition to
these figures in excess of 22,000 persons were reregistered after chang-
ing residence. Also the registration clerks were called upon to issue
over 20,000 certificates of registration and tp notarize several thousand
applications for Civil Service examinations. Also, in the operation of
the Old Age Pension Act of California several hours of the clerks' time
each day are taken in searching old records to establish age and resi-
dence in California.

(32)

A total of 11,600 names of electors were checked in the petitions of
nomination of candidates voted for at the Presidential primary in May,
while for the State primary in August declarations of candidacy were
received from 276 candidates involving a checking of a total of 6160
names of sponsors for such candidates. Also nine State initiative
petitions presented to this office for examination contained in the aggre-
gate 272,452 names to be checked, a truly herculean task.

The elections held during the current year with the registration and
vote polled at each follow:

Precincts Registration Vote Polled
Presidential Primary— May 5th.. 1055 286,345 192,579

State Primary— August 25th 1055 297,362 149,199

General (Presidential) Nov. 3rd.. 1055 314,990 269,387

At the general (Presidential) election the total vote polled was the
largest in the City's history. Included in such total are 4633 votes cast
by absentee voters, which also is the greatest number of such votes
cast in an election in San Francisco. In addition to the total number
of absentee votes cast, there were sent 658 ballots to other applicants
which could not be counted as they were either not returned in time,
or were returned not in proper order, or were not returned at all.
Included among the absentee voters are 965 sick or disabled at their
homes, or in hospitals or institutions, which require considerable time,
detail and patience on the part of clerks, to which the sick are en-
titled.

There were 1295 voting machines used at the Presidential election
and the remaining six machines were ready for instant use, should any
emergency arise or congestion warrant. In spite of the unprecedented
vote and a long and complicated ballot, no trouble was experienced at
any place nor was there any undue delay reported. Full returns were
received from each of the 1055 polling places within three hours after
closing of the polls at eight o'clock and a little after midnight a com-
plete tabulation of San Francisco's vote was furnished to the public, the
press and news agencies.

Contacting approximately 1000 places for rental as polling places for
each election, and the selections, appointment and training of approxi-
mately 3300 election officers for each election also is a full time source
of activity. This department has been most fortunate in the selection
of election officers in the past, especially in view of the difficulty in
obtaining competent help at the consideration of $5.00 for an average
of fifteen hours' work. I consider this remuneration insufficient and
trust, as conditions improve, that a proper fee will be allowed.

Before January 1, 1937, this office canceled the registration, and noti-
fied each by mail of such cancellation, of approximately 45,000 electors
who failed to vote at the primary in August and general election.
This operation meant checking of rosters of the two elections with the
indexes and affidavits of registration for the same elections, which
meant checking a total of 1,224,704 names.

The special election to be held in February called for considerable
preliminary work, which greatly added to the volume of the Depart-
ment's activities.

The budget allowance for this office for the fiscal year ending June 30,
1937, is sufficient I believe to carry to that date if nothing unforeseen
occurs, although in the event of a special election, a supplemental
appropriation must be made.

County Clerk

On March 18th, last, Harry I. Mulcreavy, who had served the City
and County of San Francisco ably for so many years as County Clerk,
passed away. San Francisco suffers a loss in his demise. Robert

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Munson took up his duties for 90 days and thereafter, until September
29th, they were undertaken by Walter R. Castagnetto. Herman A.
Vander Zee, having passed number one in civil service examinations
for a successor to Mr. Mulcreavy, took office on the date named.

In the present budget, allowances were made for desirable changes
in the office of County Clerk. These changes, which include an entire
rearrangement of the office, a new filing system and a complete photo-
static equipment, are now being completed.

The number of civil suits filed reached 7387 during the year 1936,
to December 15th. In the probate department, 2841 actions were filed.
Marriage licenses issued numbered 6380.

Actions filed in the Criminal Department were 1140. The County
Clerk's fees in all departments for the period named amounted to $108,-
850.72. In the Law Library, fees collected reached the total of $13,886,
a total in all of $122,736.72.

Public Administrator.

The Public Administrator reports that the number of estates wherein
he took possession, from January 2, 1936, to November 30, 1936, was
306; number of estates in which final accounts have been settled and
allowed, 224; Administrator's fees collected and paid into County
Treasury, $23,665.91; attorney fees collected and paid into County
Treasury, $23,534.02; total fees paid into County Treasury, $47,199.93;
total cost of operation of office from January 2, 1936, to November 30,
1936, $32,496.24; profit, $14,703.69.

Recorder.

For the calendar year 1936 Edmond Godchaux, Recorder of the
City and County of San Francisco and dean of all County Officials, re-
ports receipts of recording fees amounting to $138,261.15; paid out for
salaries during the year, $92,070; excess of receipts over salaries, $46,-
191.15; papers, filed and recorded, 76,900. During the year, this de-
partment copied, free of charge for veterans and their dependents, for
the United States and for this State and its political subdivisions, some
3442 documents containing 18,034 folios.

The copying department of this office is overwhelmed with work. It
is now behind more than 96,000 folios, due to heavy increase in record-
ing during the entire year. The Recorder is doing his best to get
abreast of this greatly increased volume of work. The figures for
December, 1936, are estimated.

Department of Electricity.

This Department continues to function under the direction of Chief
Ralph W. Wiley. It manufactures, installs and maintains fire alarm
boxes, police boxes and traffic control devices.

In 57 Fire and Police Department cars, radio receiving sets have been
installed during the past year. There are now 1505 boxes in the Fire
Alarm System, 15 having been installed in 1936. Monthly tests of fire
alarm boxes totaled 15,003. Signals transmitted, 42,276.

In the Inspection Bureau, 15,524 applications were received, 41,101
inspections made. Installations approved, 13,385. Revenues from fees
and other sources, $55,141.59. Inspections of overhead line construc-
tion numbered 1746.

In the machine shop, there were manufactured 26 fire alarm boxes,
22 traffic signals, 5 police boxes, 6 reflector units, 30 register tape reels
and 1175 police keys.

Total expenditures amounted to $160,665.33.

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Real Estate Department.

On August 22, 193G, the City and County of San Francisco entered
into a lease with the San Francisco Bay Exposition Company covering
the City's Yerba Buena Shoals property for the 1939 Exposition; and
the building at the southeast corner of Bush and Stockton streets, San
Francisco, as headquarters for the Exposition Company.

The City has awarded a lease to Pan American Airways Company,
involving 36.88 acres at the San Francisco Airport, for a period of ten
years, with the right of renewal for a further term of ten years.

On September 1, 1936, the District Attorney, Public Defender and
Adult Probation Department moved from 333 Kearny street into the
7th and 8th floors of the building at 550 Montgomery street, under
lease from the Bank of America at a rental of $880 per month. About
29 acres of City land at the northeast corner of Ocean and Phelan
avenues have been set aside as a Junior College site. The Crystal Springs
Country Club has leased the Golf Club property of the San Francisco
Water Department in San Mateo county. About 50 lots have been
purchased for various playgrounds and for Mission High School at a
total cost approximating $150,000.

Negotiations are being carried on for the acquisition of property re-
quired for Richardson avenue in the Marina District and for the widen-
fng of 19th avenue. The total estimated cost of land and relocation of
buildings in connection with these projects is about $1,200,000. This
expense will be paid from the xk Cent Gas Tax Fund. Land is also
being purchased for the widening of Army street west of Bryant street.

Purchase of land for Sunset Reservoir and easements for Crystal
Springs Pipe Line No. 2 will be completed in the near future. All
lands for the McLaren Park Roadway and for the widening of Parker
avenue have been acquired. The City Attorney has been requested to
prepare a condemnation suit for the acquisition of the remaining lot
required for the Castro-Divisadero Divisional Highway.

I am pleased to note that the revenues from the use of the Civic
Auditorium for the last fiscal year were in excess of those of any
previous year.

Department of Public Works

Certainly, no department in the City Government has been con-
fronted with greater or more intricate problems during 1936 than the
Department of Public Works. A large program of work has been ac-
complished, without undue delay.

The high pressure fire system extension programs under the 1933
Bond Issue of $2,000,000 has advanced to practical completion, there
being a balance of only $200,000 to be expended, involving four small
contracts approved by the Fire Department on electrolysis investigation
to determine the destructive effect on underground structures, and the
removal of the pipe yard maintained on leased property at Sixth and
Hubbell streets during construction to smaller quarters for maintenance
and supplies, on City-owned property on Jerrold avenue.

Nineteen new modern storage cisterns have been completed under
four contracts as well as twelve pipe line contracts which have all
been accepted for operation by the Fire Department.

The Bond Issue of 1933 provided $2,625,000 for new sewers and a
sewage disposal plant to abate contamination and pollution on our
beaches. In 1936 contracts have been awarded aggregating approxi-
mately $1,000,000 including Marina Pumping Plants A and B, Marina
North Point Sewer; Alemany No. 2 and Alemany E, as well as the
Richmond Sunset Tunnel now under construction and which will
carry sewage from the Richmond District to the Sewage Disposal
Plant in Golden. Gate Park for treatment.

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Plans and specifications for the Golden Gate Park disposal plant are
practically complete. This plant will cost approximately $550,000. It
will be equipped with the most modern and efficient facilities available
and will be completed and ready for operation in the latter part of 1937
and at which time the entire bond program will simultaneously be
completed.

In addition to this bond program new sewers in Anza street from
Arguello to Parker avenue, Iowa street and Sea Cliff avenue, have
been installed at a cost aggregating $11,000.

Expenditures on the school program from bond funds during the
year aggregate $506,000, and include auditoriums for the following
schools: George Washington, Aptos, Marina Jr. High and Glen Park.
Diversified work performed on other schools throughout the City during
the year aggregates $69,500.

Architectural appointment has been made to develop preliminary
plans for the new Junior College group of buildings to be located on
the old County Jail site at Ocean avenue and Balboa Park.

Street and highway projects, completed and under way have estab-
lished an outstanding record in the improvement of vehicular areas
within our County. This work has been speeded and stimulated by
increasing vehicular traffic area demands, increased considerably by
the opening of the East Bay Bridge, and to be expanded by the opening
of the Golden Gate Bridge in May.

Secondary highway contract expenditures for the year approximate
$314,000, which includes work on Sloat boulevard, Skyline boulevard
connection, Bichardson avenue and San Jose avenue, from Sickles to
Bepler streets. In addition to this amount expended for construction
work, expenditures from the first V^c gasoline tax for property acquisi-
tion on Nineteenth avenue, San Jose avenue and Lombard street, contem-
plating widening of these thoroughfares, aggregate $678,000.

The second V±c gasoline tax funds for improvement of streets of major
importance, augmented by P. "W. A. grants, have financed street widening
projects aggregating $603,556 on the following streets: Fifth street — Mis-
sion to Harrison; Eighth street — Market to Townsend; Harrison street —
Embarcadero to Fifth; Anza street — Arguello boulevard to Parker ave-
nue; Sixth street — Market to Townsend; First street — Market to Harri-
son; Folsom street — Embarcadero to 10th; Steuart street — Mission to
Harrison; Spear street — Howard to Embarcadero; Fremont street — Mar-
ket to Harrison; Beale street — Market to Embarcadero; Bryant street —
2nd to 5th streets; California street — Presidio avenue to Arguello; Sev-
enth avenue — Lincoln Way to Lawton; Eighteenth street — Guerrero to
Danvers; Battery street — Market to Embarcadero. Improvement of other
streets from lc gas tax funds under budget appropriations approximates
$125,700, covering important and necessary work in different sections of
the City.

The Parker avenue slide area is receiving the necessary preliminary
studies prior to needed engineering and construction work at a later
date and as field data and information being gathered indicate. Ground
borings under contract are under way and the results of same as well
as other studies in progress will permit intelligent appropriations for
construction in the 1937-38 budget.

The Lyon street approach to the Golden Gate Bridge under joint
jurisdiction of this department and the W. P. A. is well in hand.
Complete construction schedules have been established, fortified by a
fully coordinated procedure in which every phase of the work involved
has been considered, and unless unforeseen obstacles occur this approach
should be completed by May 1, 1937. All bureaus of the department are
functioning smoothly, and within budget appropriations.

The Bureau of Building Repair, in addition to the proper expenditure
of funds provided for the maintenance and repair of our public build-
ings and for specifically budgeted improvements, has also performed

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work aggregating $32,163 on work orders from the Board of Education,
War Memorial Trustees, Library Trustees and others.

The Bureau of Building Inspection continues to operate efficiently,
despite the ever increasing volume of building construction throughout
the City requiring the proper inspection service.

To portray the phenomenal growth of building activities during the
past year and to indicate the tremendous increase that has taken
place, it is sufficient to cite a comparative statement for the first 11
months of 1936 as against a like period in 1935 as follows:

No. of Permits Estimated Cost

1935 5,387 $10,118,709

1936 7,434 19,927,148

A greater number of permits for expensive residences is noted than
in any year since 1929.

Department of Public Health.

General health conditions, on the basis of impressions gained from
available vital statistics, are less satisfactory for 1936 than for 1935.
The crude death rate for San Francisco is definitely higher than for
1935 (12.8 as compared with 12.3). Notable increases in both heart
disease and cancer have occurred. The infant mortality rate, referred
to frequently as "the most sensitive single index of the public health,"
has likewise risen (from 35 to 41). The important increases in this
age group of less than one year include enteritis and bronchopneumonia.
In one institution alone, of a group of some twenty-eight children af-
fected, six deaths resulted from enteritis. It is unfortunate, in this
particular instance, also, that the Department of Public Health was not
informed of the situation during the outbreak, a circumstance which
denied the official local health authority the opportunity of studying the
epidemiology of the outbreak. It is believed that this one incident
played a definite role in the increased mortality rate among infants.
As to morbidity, the total reported cases of all reportable diseases ap-
proximate 20,000, the increase being mainly in measles and scarlet
fever. It may be of interest to note that, again, as for the past several
years, scarlet fever and infantile paralysis together, considered usually
as major or more-to-be-feared communicable diseases, have been re-
sponsible for no more deaths than measles and whooping-cough, more
frequently thought of as minor or less-to-be-feared communicable dis-
eases, even perhaps "the sooner over with, the better."

Child health activities, including public health nursing, were con-
tinued without interruption, and indeed even with a slight expansion.
There is definite need for further augmentation of existing personnel,
however, which will permit of the extension of child health activities
to meet existing needs in the schools and in certain areas in the City,
and it is hoped that this will be possible during the coming year, also.
Mere figures express only quantitative values and do not present any
other aspect of the true values of the classifications. It may be of in-
terest, however, to set forth a brief statement of the extent of the
work carried out in the child health services: 40,000 school children
examined by physicians; 6000 vaccinations against smallpox adminis-
tered; 4000 immunizations against diphtheria administered; 7000 tuber-
culin tests made; 35,000 children given dental care; and 116,000 home
visits by public health nurses, in addition to 3800 demonstrations
by public health nurses and their assistants in 90,000 examinations
carried out in health centers and schools by physicians.

In the Technical Section of the Department, improvement of service
was permitted, also, through added personnel and new equipment.
Required by the State of California Department of Agriculture, Bureau
of Animal Industry, for the continuation of a State approved meat

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inspection service, eight additional abattoir and meat inspectors were
employed, in addition to the regular permanent staff. Additional in-
spectors were also put in the field on dairy inspection and in cooling-skim-
ming stations located outside San Francisco.

A reorganization of the laboratories of the Department, with the
assistance of the Consultant to the Laboratories, has been of material
benefit in the work accomplished by this important service. The work
of this unit, and of the Department as a whole, will be improved when
the laboratories are moved from their present location at the San
Francisco Hospital to the Health Center Building, as originally
planned.

The effectiveness of the work done by the Division of Industrial
Hygiene was enhanced by the purchase of new equipment permitting
study of the carbon monoxide problem, the noise nuisance, and the
dust hazard. Noise, as a public health and engineering problem, has
received no little attention in recent years in the larger cities of the
world, notably New York City and London. In San Francisco, also, the
importance of noise abatement has been recognized, even to the extent
that a permanent group was organized during the year to encourage
the reduction and elimination of unnecessary noise.

The municipal housing survey, as conducted by the Works Progress
Administration, is being completed, so that the information compiled
may be made available for planning for future programs. Condemna-
tion of buildings found to be hazardous to the safety, health and wel-
fare of the occupants and of the community has proceeded through the
year at regular intervals.

In the Institutional Section of the Department, the San Francisco
Hospital, without additional funds thus far, has provided care for
approximately 60 patients per day above the number on which the
budget for 193G-1937 was based, and approximately 100 more than
during 1935-1936. The moneys required have been secured from intra-
departmental transfers, but supplementary appropriations will be neces-
sary, probably before the end of the current fiscal year. The financial
needs of the San Francisco Hospital, as in other institutions in the
Department, have been appreciably increased because of the rising costs
of materials and supplies in addition to the increased average daily
census previously mentioned. More than 14,250 persons were admitted
to the San Francisco Hospital, and these received more than 370,000
days of hospital care. The City physicians, in their work of providing
domiciliary care, made 13,000 visits to patients in their homes. The
Social Service Division, responsible for the determination of eligibility
of persons to care in the public institutions, studied more than 30,000
applications.

In the Laguna Honda Home, due probably to the availability of the
old age pension to those eligible and not institutionalized, the average
daily census has been lower during the year than during 1935 (1915 as
compared with 1975). The migration of patients from the home back
into the community has resulted also in a need for additional personnel,
since many of those leaving the home have served in various capacities
as "inmate help," and this work cannot be carried on by those remain-
ing, as they are usually physically handicapped. A fact not often
realized, too, involves the changing character of the institution: While
heretofore the home-for-ambulatory-patients has been the predominant
type of care provided, the trend during recent years has been toward
the hospital-for-chronically-ill-patients as the important service. This,
obviously, calls for a more extensive medical-nursing personnel and
organization.

The bed capacity of the Hassler Health Home was increased early
in the year from 82 to 88 beds. Better coordination of services within
the Department has resulted in a marked reduction in a loss of patient
days, in this unit, due to unfilled beds. This institution serves one

(38 )

of the most important needs of the Department in providing facilities
for the preparation of the tuberculous patient to reenter the com-
munity.

The Emergency Hospital Service, available at all hours and on all
days, gave first-aid attention to nearly 65,000 persons. More than
32,000 ambulance calls were made, including transfers among the three
institutions. It is worthy of note that the Emergency Hospital Service,
accustomed to meeting the demands of large celebrations and other
gatherings, did a particularly fine piece of work during the three days'
Bridge Celebration in November of 1936, when nearly one thousand
persons were treated and more than four hundred ambulance calls
were made.

Important legislation passed by the Board of Supervisors affecting
the activities of the Department includes the ordinance regulating the
traffic in salvaged foods and that setting up meat inspection fees as
required by Section Twenty-four of the New Freeholders' Charter.
The proposed Health Code, before the Board of Supervisors at the
present time, after many months of study by the Works Progress Ad-
ministration, when finally passed in revised form, will meet many
needs that have been presented to the Director of Public Health.

Scientific publications during 1936, prepared by the Director of
Public Health and certain of his subordinates, have attracted not a little
attention in the medical profession. Among the publications by the
Department staff were: "A Survey of Heart Disease Morbidity in San
Francisco"; "Poisoning Due to the Ingestion of a Mixture of Sodium
Bicarbonate and Sodium Fluoride"; "Poisonous Substances in Food,
Particularly Spray Residue on Fruits and Vegetables," and "Handbook
of Accepted Remedies, Symptoms and Treatment of Poisoning, Diag-
nostic Procedures and Miscellaneous Information." A manual of public
health laboratory and procedures has reached its third draft and may
be published during 1937.

Juvenile Probation Department.

Chief Probation Officer R. R. Miller, in his report, shows that during
1935-1936 a total of 1289 new cases passed through the Juvenile Court.
There were 3364 children in its care during that period. The Deten-
tion Home cared for 1765 children as against 1742, for the year previous.

From the budget allocated for 1935-1936, $550,000, the actual ex-
penditure was $543,951. Reimbursements from the State, parents and
other sources totaled $187,703. Cost of State school commitments was
$16,002, out of $17,500 allotted to this Department.

County Welfare Department.

The County Welfare Department has the administration of old age
pensions, of aid to the blind, and half-orphan aid to children living
with their widowed mothers, under State laws governing each type.
Since the passage of the Federal Security Act and the federal govern-
ment's acceptance of the California plan, the cost of this assistance
is met in part by the federal government, in part by the State and in
part by the County. Under the old age pension system and the Blind
Aid Act, the County and State share equally that part of the amount
granted which is not covered by federal subsidy. Under the Half-
orphan Aid Act the State bears a larger share, the County bearing 45
per cent.

The provisions of the Federal Security Act have reduced the residence
period within the State for all three types of aid, thereby increasing
the eligible list. The aged and the blind must have resided in the
State five years during the last nine, in order to be eligible for aid;
under children's aid one year's residence within the State is necessary.
The State Legislature, at its emergency session in May, passed a num-

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ber of very constructive measures concerning old age security, and
made mandatory the payment of $35 in each case, providing no other
income was available; in other words, each person drawing old age
pension must have at least $35 a month either in cash or kind.

Under old age security, the active case load of the City and County
of San Francisco is 4531 cases, for October, 1936, the expenditure being
$148,639.50, and the average allotment being $32.87 per case. The
increase may be seen by comparison with figures of October, 1935,
which show 1955 cases with a total expenditure of $55,884.33 and an
average of $28.58.

The blind on aid in October of this year numbered 287, the expendi-
ture being $11,553, and the average $40.18. There were 268 blind cases
in October, 1935, the expenditure was $8,917, and the average was $33.20.

Aid to dependent minors this year reached 497 families, embracing
1124 children, the expenditure for the month being $20,892.65. Last
year's comparative figures were 461 cases involving 1066 children, at a
cost of $19,699.47.

In the expenditures this year the federal government participates
up to $15 where at least $30 is being granted, for each old age pen-
sioner and each blind recipient of aid. Of half-orphan aid the federal
government pays $6 for the first child in receipt of aid where the
amount granted is at least $18 and $4 for each succeeding child where
the amount granted is at least $12.

Federal participation has reacted very favorably on many of those
receiving aid. Faith in the whole movement of public maintenance
has been considerably increased. Many who hesitated to ask earlier —
this especially applies to the aged — felt quite free to ask for help as
soon as there was federal participation, though they were eligible long
before the federal government had entered into cooperation with the
State and County.

Of necessity the staff of the County Welfare Department has been,
greatly augmented. To the 21 permanent workers of a year ago, 10
new social workers have been added and 4 permanent clerical work-
ers. The City government has allowed the department an additional
staff of 29 temporary employees until January 1st.

Coroner.

Dr. T. B. W. Leland, Coroner of the City and County of San Fran-
cisco, reports that from January 1, 1936, to November 1, 1936, he has
had a most busy period.

Number of cases handled, 2197; inquests held, 2197; jurors summoned
and serving, 929; autopsies performed, 1525; pathological examinations,
1472; toxicological examinations, 7824. Many recommendations have
been made by the juries bearing evidence of constructive criticism and
promoting accident prevention. These jurors are carefully selected
and are of an exceptionally fine type of San Francisco citizenry. Sui-
cides: 171, as compared with 180 for the similar period in 1935, a
decrease since the end of the depression. Motor vehicles deaths to date
show a slight decrease. This is most satisfactory, as conditions con-
ducive to an increase have been present, and there has been a general
increase in the rate throughout the United States. An increase is
reported this year, over last, in the number of motor vehicle deaths
among children under 15 years of age. In this group no death occurred
to school children going to or coming from school or in zones patrolled
by schoolboy traffic officers. Falls continue to lead in the cause of death
— 161 this year, as compared to 139 in 1935. Occupational fatalities
have decreased — 41 last year; 39 this year. Homicides have decreased.
Since the last report, the Coroner's Office has undergone alterations,
made through the agency of the W. P. A., which will add greatly to
the efficiency of the Necropsy, Pathological and Toxicological Depart-

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ments. The work of bringing our Toxicological Department into our own
building, directly adjacent to that of Post-Mortems, is about completed,
and the offices are being equipped for occupancy. A beautiful mural, the
work of Artist Gottardo Piazzoni, has been completed and installed.
This mural has been passed upon and accepted by the San Francisco
Art Association. When completely finished and furnished, taken in
connection with other most excellent features of the Coroner's Office,
San Francisco will have one of the most complete and outstanding
offices of its kind in the United States.

Purchasing Department.

In retrospection of the activities of the Purchasing Department for
1936, both in the units of work handled and in the number of requisi-
tions received, the volume was greater than in 1935.

Notwithstanding this increase the Department has been successful
in not only maintaining an efficient service in the interests of all depart-
ments, but also a service as economical as possible under the market
conditions prevailing during the past year. In the twelve months just
closed the total purchases amounted to approximately five millions of
dollars, on which the savings to the taxpayers are conservatively esti-
mated to have been $900,000, because of competent and centralized
buying. The Central Warehouse, under the jurisdiction of the Pur-
chaser of Supplies, also contributes to the economies which have been
effected. Briefly expressed, the business system of sound buying actu-
ated by the efforts of the Purchasing Department achieve results that
are measured in terms of large financial savings.

Municipal buying can be made a most effective instrument of political
favor. This is not tolerated for one instant upon the highest standards
of ethics in our purchasing procedure. In line with our policy for
economical government, continued efforts will be made to realize maxi-
mum efficiency and savings by adhering to the sound purchasing meth-
ods, demanded by the most exacting corporations outside.

Agricultural Commissioner.

Inspection of all inter and intrastate shipments of plants, bulbs and
seeds is the responsibility of this Department. During 1936, to No-
vember 1st, 1512 shipments of incoming nursery stock, making a total
of 12,936 packages, were inspected, with 22 rejections. Nurseries in-
spected, 82; homes visited at request of owners, 101. Nursery stock
and cut flowers shipped, interstate, totaling 4501 packages were
inspected, as were 224 shipments of nursery stock, with a total of 389
packages, destined to points outside the United States.

Retail store inspection included 2559 visits, for examination of fruits,
vegetables, eggs and honey. Packages reconditioned, 921; dumped, 418;
eggs dumped, 390 dozen; honey reconditioned, 10,133 packages; re-
marked, 1025.

The wholesale fruit and vegetable market was inspected twice daily.
Packages dumped, 16,058; reconditioned, 16,660; for export, 7604 ship-
ments, 470,316 packages. All produce for City institutions was inspected,
with 30 rejections.

Despite strike interference, one inspector handled the export inspec-
tion work entirely, with a revenue of $7,500. The total revenue of the
office, for the term named, was $8,500.

San Francisco-San Mateo Livestock Exposition Buildings.

On August last, the cornerstone of the arena for the holding of horse
shows and other events was laid, with appropriate ceremony. Under
two W. P. A. grants, the 54-acre site in Visitacion Valley was graded,
roads constructed and the foundations for the arena completed at a
cost of $526,596. A contract has been let for $640,000 to finish Unit
No. 2, a building which will be 300 feet by 400 feet. This amount

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includes appropriations by San Francisco of $250,000, and that of the
State of California, in a like amount, is in the custody of the State
Division of Architecture, and this sum, together with $199,000 from
the P. W. A., will be expended as the work progresses, under the
contract.

While this unit is designed for the purpose of holding livestock and
horse shows, it can be utilized also for large conventions, wrestling
matches, circuses, indoor athletics, ice hockey, etc. The arena will
seat 10,000 persons around a tanbark ring 225 feet by 145 feet. It will
be equal to 10 stories in height, and each patron will be seated in a
theatre chair, having an unobstructed view of the ring. The span of
this building will be 300 feet without a pillar or post in its interior.
It will be 40 feet longer than any other building in the world, without
post or pillar. It will reach completion during the coming July.

The trustees of the San Francisco-San Mateo District Agricultural As-
sociation, of which C. H. Sooy is president, are quite pleased at the prog-
ress already made and believe plans at present projected will assure
enough money to carry the plant to completion, without undue delay.

It is the expectation of the trustees to have the entire plant ready
for the opening of the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939,
as it is the intention to hold there the livestock, horse show and polo
events which are so attractive a part of the program of all great
expositions.

District Attorney.

During the year 1936 this office participated in and conducted 16,200
court hearings; issued 14,850 citations; conducted 13,000 citation hear-
ings; conducted 115 Grand Jury sessions, and collected and turned into
the City Treasurer's office in bail money the total sum of $563,930.

In addition to the above, this office participated in all Coroner's
inquests wherein suspicion of crime in connection with deaths was
present, attended all meetings of the parole board, all meetings of the
traffic committee on safety matters, met with groups of merchants and
organizations interested in the various phases of the Unfair Practice
Act and prepared and gave instructions and lectures on the same to
such groups for the purpose of averting law violations and court
prosecutions.

The total cost of conducting the office for the year was $108,780. I am
informed this is lower than that of any other District Attorney's office
of comparable size in the United States.

During the year of 1936 more Grand Jury sessions were conducted
than perhaps ever before in the City's history. Of the cases handled
by the office of the District Attorney during the year 1936, of the 16,200
court hearings, approximately 1000 were felony cases that reached the
Superior Court, and approximately 15,000 were misdemeanor cases
disposed of in the Municipal Court; approximately 200 were crimes
involving children, disposed of in the Juvenile Court.

Of the total number of approximately 14,850 citations issued, 8500
were issued by the Bureau of Domestic Relations of this office, dealing
with failure to provide for minor children, indigent wives and aged
parents and similar domestic cases; 2000 were issued by the Fraud
Bureau of this office, dealing with crimes of frauds, swindles and viola-
tions of the Corporate Securities Act, misleading advertising and vari-
ous rackets; 4000 were issued by the Warrant and Bond Office dealing
with miscellaneous offenses, felony and misdemeanor alike, and with
violations of City ordinances; 350 were issued by the deputy in charge
of the Juvenile Court work relating particularly to sex offenses and
juvenile delinquencies. Hearings on citations were approximately as
follows: Bureau of Domestic Relations, 8000; Fraud Bureau, 1500;
Warrant and Bond Office, 3500; Juvenile Department, 300.

( 42)

City Attorney.

The report of the City Attorney for the calendar year shows that nine
hundred and fourteen actions were commenced against the City: Supe-
rior Court, City and County of San Francisco, 803; Municipal Court, 97;
United States Court, 5; other jurisdiction, 9.

In addition to the cases pending at the close of last year affecting our
water rights on the Tuolumne River, eight additional cases were com-
menced during the current year. The plaintiffs in all of these cases
with the exception of two have not seen fit to bring them to trial. The
two cases tried were Meridian Ltd. v. The City and Comity, and Williams
et al. v. The City and County. Judgment in the first-mentioned case was
partly against the City and an appeal has been taken to the Supreme
Court from the judgment. In the case last named the City was success-
ful and plaintiffs are preparing to appeal. With the two exceptions
noted the water litigation remains unchanged, with approximately sixty
cases to be tried.

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company was successful in its litigation
prosecuted against the Railroad Commission on gas rates, and an appeal
from the decision of the Statutory Federal Court is now pending before
the United States Supreme Court.

The City Attorney appeared before the Railroad Commission in the
proceeding for reduced electric rates. A reduction of approximately
$4,000,000, spread over the system, was obtained.

The one-man car case is pending on appeal before the United States
Circuit Court of Appeals.

The City Attorney represented the City in the controversy over in-
terurban trains on the Bay Bridge. The controversy has been adjusted
in accordance with the suggestions of the Board of Supervisors. The
matter of the operation of buses over the Golden Gate Bridge also
received the attention of the City Attorney. These matters are still
pending before the Railroad Commission.

Sidewalk accidents still continue to be a prolific source of litiga-
tion against the City. The City Attorney has, however, been signally
successful in defending these actions.

The pending condemnation suits to acquire property for public im-
provements have kept abreast of the needs of the City.

(43)

Annual Message

__-_____-. o p — ^— — — —
HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO TH E

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

O F THE

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Eleventh
Nineteen Thirty-Eight

Annual IVIessage

O F

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO TH E

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

O F T H E

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Eleventh
Nineteen Thirty-Eight

Letter of the Mayor

MAYOR'S OFFICE
San Francisco

January 11, 1938.

To the Honorable the Board of Supervisors, City Hall, San Francisco.

Gentlemen: Once again it becomes my pleasure, as provided in
Section 25 of the Charter of the City and County of San Francisco,
to render to you my annual report of municipal affairs, to comment
and make suggestions for the future.

Herein I touch upon many of the problems of city government and
draw your attention to more detailed analysis of the various depart-
ments and activities in the annual message which accompanies this
letter.

We have passed through a difficult year but have emerged from it
with our financial standing still among the highest in the country.
With the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition in the offing, I
look for a stimulated business throughout 1938.

However, there are two major problems before us which we must
face resolutely. They are the maintenance of adequate and proper
relief for those unable to work as well as the maintenance and proper
care of our indigent poor, blind and sick.

The care and welfare of our own people is and must continue to be
our first and main consideration.

The second great problem before us is that of auto traffic and trans-
portation. If we are to continue a great metropolis; if we are to
continue our steady growth; if we are to continue to attract and
maintain our population, then a solution to this problem which is
agitating every large city in the country, must be found.

There is no question in my mind that this solution rests upon a
common desire of all districts throughout the city to find a common
ground for that solution having for its objective the common good of
the entire city.

Few will disagree that today it is a great mistake to continue to
maintain a railway right-of-way on the main street of this metropolis,
Market street.

Four tracks on Market street have proved a deterrent to auto traffic
and to transportation both. Removal of at least two are essential
and the four as soon as practicable.

Unification Again Urged.

Substitution of a subway out Market street, which would virtually
mean the construction of a new street, would benefit everyone in San
Francisco and make of Market street one of the finest and most pic-
turesque thoroughfares in the world. Michigan boulevard in Chicago
or Fifth avenue and Park avenue in New York are examples of what
wonderful boulevards can be made when unhampered by surface
trolleys.

Removal of the four tracks would eventually lead to a unified trans-
portation system for the city. In my annual message of last year
I said:

". . . it is essential that we enter into negotiations with the
privately owned street car systems of San Francisco, toward
bringing them into a single unified system of mass transpor-
tation, under municipal operation, which will insure the uni-
versal transfer privilege to our people."

(3 )

I still believe it essential to enter into such negotiations — and as
soon as possible.

Due to the vote of the people in November, 1930, many of the fran-
chises of privately owned companies were extended and the majority
now have 17 years to run. Meantime, no extensions of service are be-
ing offered the public by these companies. The citizens of San Fran-
cisco cannot wait for the expiration of franchises before agreeing
upon the most essentially needed improvements in our transportation
system.

A solution is needed and needed NOW. I do not propose to set
myself up as an expert on just what is the proper method of solving
this pressing problem but I do suggest and urge that a comprehensive
plan which will serve all the people be worked out by engineers who
are expert in this line and have accurate knowledge of the needs of
this city.

Remove Bridge Tolls.

Another of our transportation problems is caused by the hindrance
of free traffic by the tolls charged on the Bay bridges. These bridges
are in fact main arterial highways for the State system, and every
effort should be made to find a solution to reduce the tolls to a mini-
mum and entirely to eliminate them at the earliest possible date.

It is indicated that if the bridge to Oakland were a free bridge, it
would be impossible at times to carry the traffic that is asking for
free admission into San Francisco.

One only needs to look at the heavy traffic to and fro on the Penin-
sula where the roads are free to know that this is correct.

Large amounts of money have been allocated by the State High-
way Commission for luxury highways.

The bridge is permitted by law to receive money from the State
Highway Commission, and one can visualize the difference in traffic
that would flow over the Bay Bridge if toll free in comparison to the
traffic that now goes over any of these luxury highways.

Each year an allocation should be made from the apportionment of
highway funds in Northern California to meet the sinking fund re-
quirements on the bridge for that year and so open the bridge to the
public at a nominal charge or preferably none at all. This would bet-
ter serve the needs of more than half of the population of Northern
California than spending an equivalent sum of money on the con-
struction of new roads or reconstruction of old. Unquestionably this
road would provide the heaviest traffic of any in Northern California.

Rearrangement of auto traffic must depend upon rearrangement of
street car traffic. The two are closely related.

While we are seeking an answer to the one, I urge a close study of
the other and during it, a more rigid enforcement of present vehicular
rules, particularly as to double parking and illegal parking, which
blocks the easy flow of traffic, so that the entire movement of auto-
mobiles may be intensified.

I further demand such strict adherence to present laws to the end
that the terrific toll of life and limb now being taken by automobiles
may be materially reduced and the general welfare of both autoists
and pedestrians be more fully insured.

None Shall Go Hungry.

Reverting to the first major problem — the welfare and care of our
unfortunates — I insist that none should go hungry in this city and
that as many as is humanly possible who desire to work should have
jobs.

This problem of public welfare is a national one, indeed so much so
that a special committee of the United States Senate is investigating

(4)

it. The recently conducted unemployment census shows that the solu-
tion of this problem has not yet been reached. No single municipality
can solve it alone. At the present time in this metropolis work relief
from the Works Progress Administration is given to approximately
14,000 cases; unemployment relief, under the jurisdiction of the State,
being given to more than 8500 cases, and the city, caring for the un-
employable group, gives relief to 3200 cases.

May I pause at this time to express not only my own, but I am sure
the thanks of every member of the Board of Supervisors to the Federal
and State governments for their splendid assistance here and through-
out the country in caring for those in need.

Nor can I permit this opportunity to pass without congratulating
the newly created Public Welfare Commission and Public Welfare De-
partment, created during 1937, on the splendid work they have done
locally.

The magnitude of the public welfare problem need not be empha-
sized. San Francisco stands ready to continue to the utmost of its
ability, its care of the needy. Continuation of Federal and State par-
ticipation is absolutely essential.

Closely linked with the care of the unfortunate is the housing prob-
lem. I recently communicated with Governor Frank F. Merriam urg-
ing that a special session of the Legislature consider the United States
Housing Act of 1937 (Wagner-Steagall Act) with a view to passing an
enabling act which would permit this State to enjoy its benefits.

Housing Act Favored.

The United States Housing Act makes it possible to obtain Federal
assistance for this purpose, provided a qualified local housing authority
is established. While San Francisco does not have slums, neverthe-
less there are areas of substandard housing in the city which clearly
fall within the definition of slums as contained in the United States
Housing Act. There are considerable numbers of families of low in-
come in the city who cannot afford to pay enough rent either to secure
decent housing or to make it profitable for private enterprise to pro-
vide it.

Because of these two facts I urge that this city undertake an in-
telligent, long-range program, properly related to other factors of city
planning and city development, to eliminate slum dwellings and re-
habilitate areas of sub-standard housing, and to provide decent dwell-
ing accommodations for low income families who can secure them in
no other way than by a public housing program.

The system of Federal loans and annual contributions provided for
under the act makes it possible for a local housing authority to con-
duct such a program at no cost to the taxpayers, except for the initial
administrative expenses of the authority and the cost of preliminary
surveys. The program is not centralized in Washington, but is a
matter of local responsibility, with the Federal government providing
financial assistance.

The broad social benefits of such a program are too well understood
to require repetition. In addition, the high municipal costs in areas
of sub-standard housing, by reason of greater fire hazard and higher
rates of crime, delinquency and disease, can be materially reduced by
the elimination of sub-standard dwellings and the provision of decent
housing.

These benefits are being secured by cities in thirty states which
already have adopted laws enabling the establishment of local housing
authorities. California is not one of these states and is thus excluded
from the program until the enabling legislation is adopted.

I strongly urge a special session of the Legislature in the near
future so that legislation may be passed permitting California to share

(5)

in the act's benefits. San Francisco can then establish a housing
authority and formulate an intelligent housing program under the
terms of the Wagner-Steagall Act.

Exposition Aid Pledged.

Now to a subject near and dear to the hearts of every San Fran-
ciscan. We are about to hold another great exposition and the
memories of the 1915 Exposition still linger with many of us.

During 1937 the Golden Gate International Exposition has fulfilled
many promises and has progressed to a midway point in preparation
that assures a comprehensive "Pageant of the Pacific" next year — a
lodestar that will draw millions of eager visitors to San Francisco.

Active support of the entire city administration, collectively and in-
dividually, has been a great factor in the now-assured success of
America's official World's Fair of the West. More than 2000 citizens
are now at work on Exposition projects, direct and indirect, and it is
reliably estimated that the World's Fair activities will reach $50,000,000
in scope and will provide a total of 5000 man-years of employment.

The Public Utilities Commission has been particularly close to the
scene of progress, being involved in the letting of major contracts and
the supervision of construction of approximately $8,000,000 in building
construction well under way on Treasure Island. December figures
showed the structural contracts on the two hangar buildings to be 100
per cent completed; the Air Terminal building, 86 per cent completed;
the six major Exposition exhibit halls, 98 per cent completed, and other
items too numerous to detail, ranging from seven to 99 per cent finished.

Construction in general is reported as six weeks in advance of
schedule, and other phases are equally advanced. The active, friendly
co-sponsorship of the eleven Western States has been enlisted, and
their efforts, with those of the transportation people and the Exposition
itself, means a $3,000,000 program of travel promotion that should bring
about the greatest westward tourist movement in history in 1939.

The State of California, in appropriating $5,000,000 to tell the story
of the Golden State, set the pace for a State program that will probably
include every State in the Union. Exactly half of them already have
enacted appropriations or appointed commissions to plan their par-
ticipation.

When the Federal government appropriated $1,500,000 it led the way
toward a governmental program that already includes assured par-
ticipation of Japan, Guatemala, Peru, Egypt, Italy, Nicaragua, El Sal-
vador, Cuba, Honduras, Costa Rica, the Netherlands East Indies,
Mexico, Ecuador, Santo Domingo, French-Indo-China, and British Co-
lumbia; territorial participation is also assured from Hawaii, Alaska,
Puerto Rico and the Philippine Commonwealth.

This World's Fair will have the international flavor essential to
success.

Improve City's Appearance.

Industrial exhibitors now number more than 40, many of them the
ranking leaders in their respective fields.

I bespeak for this Exposition the most active support of every
official and every citizen. San Francisco can and will show the world
the way in Expositions.

Let's all put our shoulders to the wheel in this great enterprise that
cannot help but result in splendid and lasting advertising for this city.

To prepare for this major event, we must clean up and beautify our
city. We must be spick and span when our hundreds of thousands of
guests arrive.

Not only must all city-owned property, consisting of streets, build-
ings, parks and squares, be in first-class condition, but with the gener-

(6)

oils cooperation of our citizens, this campaign must extend to the
general improvement of the appearance of the entire city, with special
attention to the reconditioning of building fronts and residences.
A part of this program, already under way, provides for the planting
of trees and shrubs along the streets and the general tidying of vacant
property.

In this undertaking, due thought is being given to the improvement
of all our recreational grounds and the facilities for outdoor play.

It is believed that by the time the Exposition opens its gates, the
City will have completed most of this work and will be able to show
itself at its best.

To the Citizens' Committee who are forwarding this enterprise, and
the civic and other associations who are so ably and unselfishly assist-
ing, my thanks are tendered most sincerely.

Broadcasts Aid City.

And may I also take this opportunity before turning from the Expo-
sition and city beautification to thank those advertisers who are so
generously helping spread the news of the Exposition to all corners
of the earth and to the local radio stations also.

Officials of the radio stations have been more than kind to this city.
Not only has N. B. C. donated a weekly broadcast to affairs of munici-
pal government — sent out directly from the office of the Mayor — but
all stations have done their utmost to promote the well-being of San
Francisco.

To these I offer my heartfelt thanks. That their efforts bear fruit
is proved beyond doubt by the hundreds of letters I have received
in the past two weeks as a result of the recent Christmas carol broad-
cast. These letters come from all sections of the United States and
express a warmth of feeling for San Francisco.

However, while addressing you so optimistically regarding the
affairs of our City, I must again draw attention to a deficiency in our
structure. I refer to harbor control.

In my last year's message to your Honorable Board I said in this
regard :

"San Francisco's harbor has been at a disadvantage in
competing with other harbors in California and along the
Pacific Coast, because all these major ports have been locally
administered. San Francisco's harbor has been under the
control of a State Board, not necessarily responsive to local
requirements. This condition remains an intolerable one for
the people of San Francisco."
Again I urge upon your Honorable Board an active and definite pro-
gram to gain for San Francisco that which is enjoyed by all other
California ports.

Campaign for Harbor.

I urge a working campaign — a concerted drive upon our legislators
in Sacramento to the end that this injustice may be speedily remedied.
Last year's experience would indicate that little success may be hoped
for unless adequate funds are provided for the campaign. San Fran-
cisco's harbor properties are valued conservatively at fifty million
dollars. We should not begrudge an adequate fund to conduct a suc-
cessful campaign.

Recent legal activities make the matter of the distribution of our
hydro-electric power one which should receive the most careful con-
sideration, not only by the Public Utilities Commission but also by
the Board of Supervisors. The Federal Government, acting through
the Secretary of the Interior, has instituted litigation in the District
Court of the United States to restrain the City from continuing to dis-

(7)

tribute its power through the agency of the Pacific Gas and Electric
Company.

The case, in the very able hands of City Attorney John J. O'Toole,
has been tried and is now awaiting argument before Judge Michael J.
Roche. While I am not anticipating a decision against the City, we
should be prepared for any eventuality which may arise, for the rea-
son that should the City be restrained from distributing its power as
it is now doing, it must be ready to adopt a plan for municipal distri-
bution or forego an approximate revenue of two million dollars an-
nually.

This reduction in revenue will mean an increase in the tax rate of
at least 25 cents on each one hundred dollars of the assessment.

I therefore recommend to both the Board of Supervisors and to the
Public Utilities Commission that the matter of the distribution of our
hydro-electric power directly by the City should not be overlooked,
but that tentative plans should be worked out which will provide a
method for its distribution which may be promptly submitted to the
people should the occasion demand.

In conclusion, I cannot permit this opportunity to escape without
thanking the Honorable Board of Supervisors for their cooperation
during the past year and without wishing them a happy and prosper-
ous New Year.

To the press of San Francisco, my appreciation of their permanent
policy aimed to advance this beloved city.

Nor can I permit this opportunity to pass without deepest thanks
not only to heads of Departments, Commissions and Boards in my
administration for their valuable assistance in meeting the problems
of local government, but to men and women constituting the faithful
workers in municipal government. I cannot help but boast that the
municipal employees of San Francisco stand second to none in the
United States in efficiency and ability.

Yours sincerely,

ANGELO J. ROSSI,

Mayor.

(8)

Mayor's Annual Message

Office of the Mayor, Sax Francisco

January 11, 1938.
The Honorable the Board of Supervisors, San Francisco, California.
Gentlemen: My message as required by the Charter follows:

Controller.

With the death of Leonard Sumner Leavy, the first Controller of
San Francisco, on June 11, 1937, the citizens lost a far-sighted, able
executive and those of us who are employed by the citizens lost a sin-
cere friend.

My appointment of Harold J. Boyd as Mr. Leavy's successor was
approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 17th. The responsi-
bilities of the Controller are manifold and Mr. Leavy's eminent per-
formance of his duties places on his successor an added burden. The
principles which Mr. Leavy laid down, the rules established, the poli-
cies formulated, provide the road which Mr. Boyd has pledged himself
to follow.

In the task which is his, I am confident all officials and employees
will continue in the coming year, as they have in the past six months,
to render every possible co-operation.

The following information from the reports of Controller Boyd indi-
cates that a sound general financial condition exists in San Francisco,
and that its fiscal affairs continue to show marked improvement.

The peak of tax delinquency, which amounted to 5.37 per cent, was
reached in 1933, while the tax delinquency for the year ended June 30,
1937, was only 1.45 per cent. The delinquency on the first installment
of the current year's taxes, which were paid as of December 5th last,
amounted to 2.79 per cent as compared with 2.83 per cent for the same
period of the preceding fiscal year.

The Cash Reserve Fund of the City has grown to reach a total of
$2,859,227.

The buyers of City and County bonds and tax notes have expressed
their confidence in San Francisco's financial soundness in effective
interest rates on securities sold during the year. Tax notes were sold
for as low an interest rate as 15/100 of 1 per cent, and bonds were
sold for as low an effective interest rate as 2.47 per cent. The average
effective rate on bonds for the entire year was 2.68 per cent.

San Francisco's requirements from taxation for bond interest and
redemption have decreased from the peak burden of 96.9 cents in the
tax rate of 1934-1935 to 90.9 cents for the current period.

The tax requirements have decreased from the peak amount of
$33,177,550 in 1930-31 to $31,795,936 for the current year, despite
extraordinary added expenditures for relief, hospitalization, needy,
aged, blind, widows' pensions, etc., which increase amounts to approxi-
mately $3,750,000 over the year 1930-31.

Radio Broadcasts.

Since 1932, I have sent broadcasts from the Mayor's office weekly,
concerning the actual functioning of the several departments of the
municipality. These broadcasts, provided through the courtesy of the
National Broadcasting Company, reach a constantly increasing audi-
ence of students interested in the operation of municipal government.

As many commendatory letters and messages attest, these weekly
talks are also arousing extended interest among our citizens and tax-
payers, as well as those of neighboring municipalities.

( 9)

San Francisco was the first ranking American city to undertake such
a plan for reaching and teaching the populace as to such matters.
I wish again to tender due thanks to Mr. Don Gilman, vice-president
of the National Broadcasting Company, for his constant and cordial
co-operation, in making continuance of the broadcasts possible, and
absolutely without cost to the City and County of San Francisco. To
his most courteous staff and announcers, these thanks go also.

Beginning on Christmas Eve, 1934, by courtesy of the National
Broadcasting Company, San Francisco's broadcast of Yuletide carols
and hymns was made each year. That of last Christmas Eve brought
to me a flood of telegrams and letters from all parts of the United
States and Canada, many describing holiday scenes in remote places
and thanking San Francisco for contributing the program. This an-
nual courtesy of the National Broadcasting Company, receiving world-
wide appreciation, is one which merits sincere thanks of all our people.

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

On January 12, 1938, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge will have
been in operation for fourteen months and will have had approximately
10,750,000 vehicles crossing the great span, carrying almost 25,000,000
persons between San Francisco and transbay points. Thus the big
structure has justified the dreams and plans of San Franciscans for
generations, and the 177,000,000 investment has unquestionably proven
a success.

A breakdown of traffic figures as of December 1, 1937, showed that
from November 12, 1936, 9,721,328 vehicles used the Bay Bridge. Of this
number 9,247,521 were passenger automobiles. The daily average num-
ber of vehicles throughout the year approximated 25,600.

The total number of buses, as of December 1, was 92,410, with the
number crossing the span into San Francisco increasing monthly.
During the month of November, 1937, 10,090 buses had used the bridge.
A total of 688,524,183 freight pounds were transported by 322,372 trucks
and truck trailers over the great span in the first twelve and one-half
months of its operation.

Other totals for the first twelve and one-half months are: Auto
trailers, 16,660; motorcycles, 34,240; tri-cars, 8125; 2,036,598 extra
passengers were transported across the bridge during that period.

A survey made by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce on the
bridge's first anniversary on November 12, 1937, called attention to
the powerful business stimulant provided by the millions of vehicles
that crossed the structure since it opened. This survey emphasized
an increase of by more than two-thirds in transbay travel since the
opening of the span. The survey pointed out the increase in atten-
dance, since the bridge opened, at sporting events, including football,
baseball, and boxing, and indicated that the bridge was "one of the
important causal factors behind the fact that real estate sales from
January to September, 1937, increased 20 per cent in number and
31 per cent in value over the corresponding value of 1936."

By the end of 1938 it is expected that the electric interurban rail-
way will be operating across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge,
knitting the San Francisco Bay communities even closer together.

The $2,250,000 terminal on Mission, between First and Fremont
streets, in San Francisco, is well under way, while massive redwood
ties are already being placed on the bridge proper. Work is also
rapidly progressing on the viaduct which will bring the trains from
the bridge into the station. The terminal, located as it is, will take
50 per cent of the commuters from the East Bay to within walking
distances of their places of employment.

Plans for the terminal call for trains to loop from the bridge into
the 780-foot structure at elevation. Walking distance within the build-
ing has been cut to a minimum. Passengers taking streetcars need

( 10 )

only pass from the trains on the upper level to a covered ramp on the
mezzanine floor level, over which streetcars will loop at elevation into
the station.

San Francisco can well anticipate a stimulation of business as a
result of the improved transportation facilities provided by the electric
railway, just as it enjoyed them last year because of the fine and
speedy highway over the span itself.

Golden Gate Bridge.

The prediction, in my past message, that this magnificent structure
would be ready for dedication in May, 1937, was realized. The Bridge
was opened to traffic at noon, May 28th, with dazzling ceremonial.

Financed by bond issue, authorized by the taxpayers of the Golden
Gate Bridge and Highway District, comprising six counties, its cost
was approximately $35,000,000. It is the longest and highest single
span suspension bridge in existence, having a span of 4200 feet, 700
feet longer than its nearest rival, the George Washington Bridge,
recently completed at New York City.

The record of traffic, May 27th to December 1st, 1937, shows the
following statistics: Passenger autos, 2,030,482; trucks, 59,858; auto-
mobiles and trailers, 11,954; non-revenue traffic, 40,966. The total num-
ber of vehicles passing over the bridge was 2,166,759. Pedestrians,
363,159.

The total revenue amounted to $1,109,241. And the average toll per
vehicle, $.5036. The averages per day: 11,618 vehicles; pedestrians, 1937.

Federal Projects.

Honorable W. Arthur Newman, District Engineer of the Procure-
ment Division of the Treasury Department, gives me a most inspiring
account of the status of Federal projects for the City and County of
San Francisco.

The new Mint, anchored in solid rock facing Duboce avenue, was
dedicated May 15th. This, the world's most modern and impregnable
mint, has the following outstanding features: electric super-protec-
tion, silver storage vaults, tear-gas system, precipitator equipment for
reclaiming metals, sound detectors, radio call signal system, electric
melting furnaces, and shooting gallery. The cost, $1,199,055, to date.
An appropriation of $220,000 has just been made for additional vault
storage facilities.

A Federal allotment has been made of $2,000,000 for the new Parcels
Post Building, to be erected near the Interurban Depot of the San
Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

For the new Appraisers' and Immigration Building, to adjoin the
Custom House, an allotment of $4,250,000 has been made.

On a site awaiting selection, the San Francisco Quarantine Station
will be constructed at a cost of $300,000. Work on plans for these
projects is now going forward.

For remodeling and improvements to the San Francisco Post Office
and Court House, $164,000 has been allocated. The work is now under
contract.

The old Mint, at Fifth and Mission, will probably be sold during 1938.

Municipal Court.

For the period January 1st to November 15th, inclusive, the follow-
ing is a concise report of the administration of the Municipal Court
of the City and County of San Francisco:

In the twelve Municipal Courts, there were 11,040 civil actions; 5941
small claims — total, 16,981; and in the criminal department, 103,875
proceedings were filed.

( 11 )

Official and pauper actions filed in the civil department, 474. Small
claims, 197S.

Receipts, $217,401.25. Expenditures, $188,110.76. Excess of receipts
over expenditures, $29,290.49.

Public Defender.

The office handled 1163 cases in all courts; made 2201 appearances
in the courts. In the Superior Court 476 cases were handled, which is
approximately 40 per cent of all the cases handled in the criminal
departments of the Superior Court. One hundred fifty-nine defendants
represented by the Public Defender on felony charges entered pleas
of guilty in the Municipal Court and were certified to the Superior
Court, thereby saving much time to the courts and considerable expense
to the City and County. The office also appeared for 24 persons on
insanity hearings in the civil courts at the request of the judges pre-
siding, although the Charter does not provide for this service. The
courts justly feel that people without funds on insanity hearings
should have representation so that it cannot be said that, they were
"railroaded". In addition to this service, although further not pro-
vided for in the Charter, advice was given to 3086 indigent persons
seeking information on civil matters.

The office of the Public Defender is being conducted under a budget
of $18,980.

Police Department.

The following is a resume of the activities and accomplishments of
this Department during the calendar year 1937:

From facts secured in both a nationwide and local survey, a detailed
"Summary of Survey and Report" of the San Francisco Police Depart-
ment was made and submitted to the Mayor on January 9, 1937. This
survey report proposed that all of its recommendations be made effec-
tive by February, 1938. Some of the recommendations required radical
Charter provision changes, and consequently sections 35, 146, 148 and
172 of the Charter were materially amended. Thus, by an affirmative
vote of the electors of San Francisco, the proposed reorganization of
the San Francisco Police Department became an actual fact. To date
the following recommendations have been put into effect without inter-
fering in any way with the normal functioning of the Department:

1. Six new key posts, under the Chief of Police, created to improve
the organizational structure of the Department, have been filled. These
positions are: Deputy Chief of Police, Department Secretary, Super-
vising Captain of Districts, Director of Personnel, Director of Bureau
of Criminal Information and Director of Bureau of Special Services.

2. A modern "show-up" room inside the City Prison was completed.
Its location and equipment are ideal and it is doubtful whether there
is a better "show-up" room in any Police Department in the nation.

3. With the abolition of the rank of Corporal in the Police Depart-
ment, patrol sergeants were assigned to patrol cars for the purpose of
improving patrol and fixed-post supervision. After several months of
experiment, however, the Police Department did not find this system
practical and has recently returned patrol sergeants to foot patrol in
the downtown and most populous residential and business districts.

4. The bookkeeping system and handling of departmental accounts
were completely reorganized. It is now possible instantly to arrive at
an absolute financial statement showing the four individual groups
comprising the grand total of the annual budget appropriation, thereby
enabling the Department to budget its expenditures in strict accord-
ance with the "one-twelfth rule" required under Charter provisions.

5. To enable the Bureau of Inspectors to check personally on visitors
to persons charged with serious offenses, the duty of issuing visitors'

( 12 )

permits to the City Prison was transferred from the Bureau of Records
to the Bureau of Inspectors.

6. The establishment of a Bureau of Personnel permits an equitable
distribution of police numerical strength in the various stations and
bureaus, whose needs are determined through personal investigation
rather than through extent of territory, population, precedent, etc., as
heretofore. A system of transfer of commissioned and non-commis-
sioned officers has also been inaugurated.

7. The personnel records of the Department were completely reor-
ganized so that a detailed record of each member and employee of the
Department is instantly available.

8. The Bureau of Criminal Information has, as its major unit, the
Communications Bureau which was established in December of 1936.
It includes also the Record Bureau, which contains a complete record
of all warrants, both local and foreign, and maintains complete files
on all crime and accident reports, complete statistical information on
modus operandi and all information concerning crime that may be
needed to compile criminal statistics. Certain functions of the Bureau
of Inspectors — namely, the operation of local and state teletype systems,
the indexing and filing of warrants, crime records and reports and the
broadcasting of radio messages — -were transferred to the Bureau of
Criminal Information. The telephone exchange of the Department was
removed from the Central Station to the Hall of Justice and the tele-
type and radio equipment were likewise transferred so that the three
units are consolidated in the Communications Bureau. These changes
were made under a W. P. A. project with Federal funds granted,
amounting to $2,562. A "Monitor Board" of ten of the Department's
trunk lines was established to facilitate the handling of emergency
calls. A record is kept of radio cars in and out of service, their assign-
ments and action taken. Bank and burglar alarms ring directly into
the Communications Bureau, from whence radio cars are instantly
dispatched. A central index of local teletype messages is also kept,
thereby relieving various district police stations and bureaus of that
routine.

9. The Bureau of Special Services was established to prevent crime
and suppress commercialized vice. It investigates all complaints re-
lating to gambling, prostitution, violations of narcotic laws, degen-
eracy, etc. The Big Brother Bureau, designed to reduce juvenile de-
linquency, is a unit of the Bureau of Special Services. During the
past year over 765 boys were contacted by the Big Brother Bureau.
A number of boys' athletic clubs have been organized under the direc-
tion of members of the Big Brother Bureau. The activities of this
bureau have been extended to include transient boys who are a defi-
nite police problem, inasmuch as every one is a potential criminal.
With the abandonment of the Potrero Police Station, the Police De-
partment requested that the building be turned into a shelter for tran-
sient boys. The St. Vincent De Paul Society volunteered to operate
such a shelter and the Mayor agreed to turn the old Potrero Sta-
tion over to the society at a nominal rental. The St. Vincent De Paul
Boys' Center was opened, as a result, on May 26, 1937, and up until
November 30th had cared for 600 transient boys, most of whom were
picked up by the police as delinquents or in the company of unde-
sirables and sent to the Juvenile Detention Home and to the Center.
Most of these boys were influenced to return to their homes; some
were placed in employment and others helped to enlist in the Army,
Navy, Marines or C. C. C. None of the boys transgressed the law
while staying at the Center. The Police Big Brother Movement,
started by the San Francisco Police Department, has spread until it
is now a unit of the California State Peace Officers' Association, Inter-
national Association of Chiefs of Police and the World Police Asso-
ciation.

10. Through the consolidation of certain police districts, the num-

(13)

ber of district stations has been decreased from fourteen to nine,
thereby relieving for patrol duty a number of officers who had been
on office duty taking in "ring-ins" from patroling officers and doing
other clerical work incidental to the operation of a station. The
districts consolidated are as follows: Potrero with Southern, and
known as Southern; North End with Ellis-Polk, and now known as
Northern; Western Addition with Stanyan, and now known as Park;
part of Golden Gate Park with Richmond, and known as Richmond;
Bayview with Ingleside, and known as Ingleside; the rest of Golden
Gate Park with Taraval, and known as Taraval.

11. Every Police District has been equipped with a full quota of
radio cars, each of which rings in every hour to its station, in addi-
tion to being at all times within radio call from the Communica-
tions Bureau, thereby insuring a city-wide fleet of radio cars at all
times, ready to act as a unit in the capture of fleeing criminals, etc.

12. The indexing of teletype messages and general orders to Com-
pany Commanders in the various district police stations has been
discontinued and a master index is kept in the General Office at the
Hall of Justice, thereby eliminating considerable clerical work at the
stations.

13. A uniform system of recording overtime has been installed, all
such records now being kept at Headquarters instead of at the re-
spective police stations.

14. A bookkeeper has been employed in the police garage to carry
out the newly installed uniform system of computing the cost and
maintenance of all automotive equipment.

15. Through a system of "staggering" or overlapping the three
watches into which the twenty-four hours are divided, there is at no
time a complete turnover of the police force which would leave our
citizens unprotected during a change of watch.

16. A Traffic Accident Division, designed to reduce traffic accidents
through a study of accidents immediately after their occurrence and
apply all possible corrective measures which are suggested through
such study, has also been established.

17. A modern academy for recruits to the Department has recently
been established. The ten most recently appointed officers are now
in their third month of study and training at this school. The cur-
riculum covers every phase of police duty, as well as instruction in
first aid, water life-saving, military drill, etc.

18. In connection with the complete change in departmental form
reports and record system, Hollerith Statistical Tabulating Equip-
ment has been installed and is now operating in the record division
of the Bureau of Criminal Information.

Despite these radical changes in the organization of our depart-
ment, it has functioned smoothly and efficiently. San Francisco has
maintained its reputation as being one of the safest cities in the
United States for, according to figures released by the Federal Bureau
of Criminal Identification at Washington, D. C, we are among the
leaders in cities of 500,000 and over in keeping crime at a minimum.

In this class San Francisco is again in the first three for the mini-
mum number of fatal traffic accidents, although our records show that
we had more such accidents in 1936-37 than in the preceding year.
We are also third nationally in cities of comparable size in the lowest
gross total of traffic accidents for the fiscal year 1936-37.

With 3971 automobiles reported stolen in San Francisco in 1936-37,
we show a total of 3926 recoveries, or 99.01 per cent. According to a
report of the National Automobile Theft Bureau, San Francisco leads
other metropolitan cities of the United States in the percentage of
automobile recoveries.

Largely through the efforts of our 3000 School Traffic Patrol Boys
not a single death to school-going children has occurred at the 550
school crossings during the past year.

(14)

The following statistics reflect in a general manner the immense
volume of police activities during the fiscal year 1936-37: Missing
persons located, 2494; lost children returned to parents, 409; insane
persons cared for, 284; sick and injured taken to hospitals, 5999; fires
attended, 4596; subpoenas served, 8002; letters received and answered,
18,310; radio messages broadcast to locate missing persons on account
of deaths in families, etc., 5438; warrants of arrest handled, 10,201;
convictions obtained, 21,956; prisoners brought to stations, 51,978;
value of property recovered, $158,076.56; arrests made, 78,972.

We point with pride to the fact that during the past year San
Francisco has been entirely free from the operations of organized
criminals, and gangsterism is still unknown to our citizens. We did
not have a single bank holdup or attempted bank holdup during the
past year — a record which is probably unequaled by any metropolitan
city of comparable size.

Despite the fact that during the past year San Francisco was host
to approximately three million visitors, drawn here by conventions,
the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge or as tourists to view the two
great bridges, bunco-men did not operate here. It is worthy of note
that during the past year our Department has been working on plans
for the protection of the visitors who are expected here during the
1939 Exposition and an exchange has been established with other cities
to the end that members of this Department can thoroughly acquaint
themselves with the photographs, descriptions and modus operandi of
criminals who have operated during such celebrations in other cities
and who might attempt to operate here.

Fire Department.

The records of the San Francisco Fire Department show that during
the last fiscal year it has responded to 8917 alarms of fire, against
8492 alarms of the previous year, or an increase of 425 alarms.

Throughout the year this department has functioned competently
and smoothly, maintaining its usual high standard of efficiency, which
has earned for it the reputation of being one of the finest and most
effective fire-fighting organizations in existence.

This year has seen the completion of the extensions to the auxiliary
high pressure water system and the underground fire cisterns installed
from the 1933 Bond Issue, and these improvements add materially to
the security from fire dangers of the districts which they cover,
namely: the Potrero District, the Mission District, the South of
Market District, the Clay Street Hill District, the North Beach Dis-
trict, the Marina and Golden Gate Valley District, the Hayes Valley
District, the Park-Presidio District, the Sunset District, the Western
Addition District, the Bay Bridge Approach and several sections of the
Waterfront.

With these added facilities, I feel confident that the Fire Department
will be well equipped to meet any possible emergency, and that it will
continue to furnish adequate and satisfactory fire protection. Pur-
chases of apparatus during 1937 have materially assisted in putting
this department, mechanically, in step with any similar fire-fighting
organization in the United States.

Civil Service Commission.

The Civil Service Commission completed during the past year 103
examinations. Under the present Charter all civil service eligible
lists automatically expire after four years. Civil service emergency
appointments may not continue beyond ninety days in any fiscal year.
The number of classifications for which examinations must be held
has been very much increased because of Charter provisions. The
terms of the present Charter have therefore brought about a tremen-
dous increase in the number of examinations required of the Civil

(15)

Service Commission and while these provisions are sound and wise
and have strengthened and vitalized the merit system principle, it
is to be expected that the cost of examinations will increase.

The Commission has completed during the past year an extensive
investigation of wages being paid in private employment and in other
comparable governmental organizations in this state. These data
have been analyzed ami interpreted and the Civil Service Commission
is holding hearings relating thereto, preliminary to formulating and
submitting to the Board of Supervisors its recommendations for salary
standardization schedules to be applied to approximately 8500 munici-
pal employments, as provided under Section 151 of the Charter. These
recommendations for standard salaries will be submitted to the Board
of Supervisors during the early part of January and it is hoped the
Supervisors will see fit to adopt salary standardization and put into
effect the provisions of Section 151 of the Charter before the adoption
of the budget for the coming fiscal year.

In addition to these activities, the Commission has continued to
enforce strictly all provisions of the Charter governing civil service,
in the belief that the fundamentals of the merit principle in public
service are more deeply rooted in the San Francisco municipal service
than ever before.

Board of Education.

To our citizens no single function of government is of greater
interest — none touches our homes more vitally than our public school
system.

During the fiscal year, ending June 30, 1937, we expended for edu-
cation, including new buildings, bond interest and redemption, and,
most important, salaries for instruction of pupils, the total sum of
$12,625,770.40 to maintain, operate and improve our public school sys-
tem. On the basis of enrollment more than 100,000 children from
kindergarten through junior college age are taught in the public
schools. Actual cost of operation of this branch of the government
was $9,588,733; $4,626,585.46 of which was paid by the state govern-
ment on the basis of average daily pupil attendance.

Our most pressing problem of public education today is to provide,
at an early date, permanent quarters for the newly established San
Francisco Junior College. An excellent site has already been located
at Balboa Park, Ocean and Phelan avenues. The Board of Education
has appropriated, awaiting plans and specifications for more than a
year, a sum in excess of $600,000 for erection of the first unit of per-
manent junior college buildings. I am happy to report that the plans
have been completed and within a few days a foundation contract will
be awarded for the first building. Barring delays, junior college stu-
dents will be housed in their permanent home at Balboa Park within
the next year.

The campus of the new college was originally occupied as the county
jail. After abandonment of the site by the sheriff's office, the land was
placed at the disposal of the Recreation Commission without cost.
This Commission now recognizes the urgency of the need for the
Junior College and has transferred the land for use by the School
Department to accommodate the college buildings and campus. An-
other section of the same site, comprising thirty acres, is under the
jurisdiction of the Park Commission, which body has also recognized
the needs of the new Junior College. It is hoped that transfers of
this propery to the Board of Education will be speedily executed.

The new Sunshine School for orthopedic children and those in-
clined toward ill health was opened in the Mission District in August,
in a new two-story fireproof building of modern design. As will be
recalled, construction of this building was recommended by the Super-
intendent of Public Schools, the Board of Education, the Director of
Public Health, the County Medical Society and the Grand Jury. It is

(16)

a source of satisfaction to note that this new type school building-
has been declared a vast improvement over the old Buena Vista Health
and Sunshine Schools which occupied separate buildings in other
locations.

Another recent development in public education was the opening
of the Samuel Gompers Trades School at Twenty-second and Bartlett
streets, replacing the old Agassiz School, a wooden building erected
in 1892. The first unit of the trades school, a three-story reinforced
concrete building, was opened for pupils in August, 1937. The trades
school operates from noon each day through the evening hours and
is intended to give supplementary instruction to apprentices already
engaged in trades as well as to high school students who have shown
a definite tendency toward proficiency in certain crafts or trades.
Demand for instruction in the subjects offered has already exceeded
the physical facilities of the Gompers Trades School. For the past
three months instruction, approved by both employers and employees,
is being given at other quarters in sheet metal working, painting and
paper hanging, cabinet making and steam fitting. It is hoped, through
this phase of education, to improve the technique of our young people
and point the way for them to become proficient in recognized trades
at an early age.

Reduction in the size of classes in elementary schools to a level sug-
gested by Joseph P. Nourse, Superintendent of Public Schools, was
authorized by the Board of Education during the past year. The cost
of this operation was largely offset by a slight decline in the school
population at the elementary level, a reflection in our schools of the
national decline in birth rate.

Restoration of teachers' salaries to the 1930 level and the restora-
tion of annual increments, excepting to those teachers already enjoying
maximum salaries, has been in effect for the past two years. The
cost of this service last year was $108,261.08. The Board of Education
has recognized the rights of teachers to the annual increments, and
all sides agree that these increments have now been restored to the
1930 level. The Board also recognizes that any attempt to increase
salaries to new high levels must be undertaken with caution, having
in mind the rights of all affected.

As part of the building program now in progress, the Board of
Education has opened within the past three months fireproof audi-
torium additions to two new elementary schools, and plans the erec-
tion of two high school gymnasiums, one at Lowell High School and
another for George Washington High School; an auditorium at Por-
tola Junior High School, classroom additions to the Franklin Ele-
mentary School and an auditorium addition to the Francis Scott Key
Elementary School. All are included in the present school building
program. Together with the estimated cost of the first unit of the
San Francisco Junior College, this program represents an investment
of $1,160,175.10, for which $638,096.30 has already been appropriated
in the current school department budget. On my recent trip to Wash-
ington, I interviewed federal authorities in the hope of receiving
favorable action on San Francisco's application for a federal grant
of $522,000, under the terms of an application filed more than a year
ago. At the present time indications are that the federal appropria-
tions will NOT be forthcoming within the immediate future. This
means that the school building program must be carried over into the
next fiscal year.

It was a source of satisfaction to me as Mayor to renominate to
membership on the Board of Education, Honorable C. Harold Caul-
field and Mrs. Edwin R. Sheldon, and to find that these choices were
overwhelmingly confirmed by the voters at the recent November elec-
tion. The past services of these commissioners of education is a guar-
antee that our public schools will be managed in a manner which will
insure continued success.

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Employees' Retirement System.

The Retirement System included 11,583 employees at June 30, 1937.
During the fiscal year ending on that date 181 members were retired
because of age or disability and 114 active members died. Many of
the positions thus vacated were not filled. During 1936-37, 127 retired
persons died, and on June 30, 1937, there were 1730 persons receiving
allowances under the Retirement System, this number including aged
and disabled members retired from the several departments and also
retired firemen and policemen, and their widows, where death re-
sulted while in performance of duty.

The administration of the State Compensation Insurance Law, as
it affects all City employees, is centralized under the Retirement Board
in accordance with the new Charter, instead of being handled by the
various departments in which injured persons are employed. Reports
of all injuries among approximately 11,750 employees are made to the
Retirement Office and claims are adjusted and benefits paid in accord-
ance with the State law and Charter, the City and County now acting
as self-insurer in relation to all employees. During the fiscal year
1936-37, 940 compensation cases were handled, under which either
weekly benefits or medical expenses were paid. Approximately 1522
additional cases were handled which were not of sufficient severity
to qualify for compensation benefits of any kind. The investments
of the Retirement Fund at June 30, 1937, totaled $19,643,000, as against
$17,768,000 as of June 30, 1936.

Assessor.

The Assessor's efforts, in 1936, to gain a more equitable distribution
of the tax burden as between real property and personal property
resulted in an addition of $10,500,000 to the tax base.

Maintaining this policy in 1937 resulted in another increase of
$5,000,000 in tangible personal property and $9,500,000 in intangible
personalty. Present plans of the Assessor call for an active continua-
tion of this policy; deputies are in the field now making preliminary
surveys of the personal property of apartment houses and businesses
as a basis for the 1938 assessment roll.

To prevent any over-emphasis in the assessment of personal prop-
erty and to maintain an equitable distribution of the tax burden, the
Assessor has now employed Civil Service Land Appraisers and Build-
ing Appraisers from lists recently made available by the cooperation
of the Civil Service Commission. These deputies are now actively
engaged in making a thorough inspection of real property, using as
a guide the newly designed buildine valuation and land valuation
cards, to show a complete picture of the condition of these properties.
Comparison Assessment Roll — 1987 and 1936.

1937 1936 Increase Decrease

Land $324,542,933 $325,333,772 $790,839

Improvements 336,291,216 334,818,024 $ 1,473,192

Tangible Personal Prop-
erty 78,692,121 73,763,997 4,928,124

Solvent Credits 132,169,286 122,620,479 9,548,807

$871,695,556 $856,536,272 $15,950,123 $790,839
Less Veteran Exempts. 6,362,970 6,172,383

Total Non-Opera-
tive property ...$865,332,586 $850,363,889 $14,968,697

Property assessed by
State Board of Equal-
ization 125,902,660 126,712,050 $809,390

Total $991,235,246 $977,075,939 $14,159,307

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Improvement in procedure and service to the 250,000 people who visit
the Assessor's Office annually, started on its way by improved working
conditions and equipment, has been continued. The recently created
Department of Public Service and Information has been of vital assist-
ance to the tax-paying public.

Sheriff.

The report of Daniel C. Murphy, Sheriff of the City and County of
San Francisco, for the calendar year 1937, to December 1st, indi-
cates the following activities:

Total amount received, $351,119.98. Process and papers filed and
received, 20,121; personal property sales consummated, 112; amount,
$113,157.68; writs of possession received or filed, 271; possession to
plaintiff, 223; unexecuted, 48; forcible evictions, 31.

Average monthly population of County Jails, numbers 1, 2, 3 and
4, was 683.4. Federal prisoners received, male, 313; female, 22; daily
average, 53. Amount received for maintenance and sustenance, fiscal
year ended June 30, 1937, $15,012.

There were transported from the Detention Hospital to various
State institutions, 872 male and 461 female patients. From County
Jails, 119 male and 4 female prisoners were taken to State peniten-
tiaries and other correctional institutions. While the Sheriff, under
State law, is permitted to retain surplus moneys received from such
sources, the Sheriff believes they should be used for the benefit of
the taxpayers; therefore, as was the case last year, he has deposited
them with the Treasurer, in the amount of $6,293.82.

Profits from articles sold for the convenience of prisoners in the
County Jail Stores amounted to $5,253.38, which was deposited with
the Treasurer, as provided in Ordinance No. 7061, Bill No. 860.

Public Utilities Commission.

San Francisco's municipal utilities added to their record of im-
provement of service and profitable operation during the past year.
I refer briefly in the following paragraphs to the operations of indi-
vidual utilities during 1937:

Municipal Railway.

The Municipal Railway has completed its twenty-fifth year of opera-
tion and has continued to render the best service possible to patrons
and residents of San Francisco.

Revenues have continued to increase. Operating revenue for the
year 1937 amounted to $3,286,000, an increase of about $147,000, or
approximately 4.7 per cent over the preceding year. Partially, this
increase is due to the fact that the larger of the two competing pri-
vately-owned street car companies in San Francisco was granted a
2c transfer charge on July 6, 1937, which resulted in increased patron-
age of the Municipal Railway lines. This healthful increase in street
car riding for the fourth successive year is gratifying. Although ser-
vice has had to be added to keep pace with the increase in travel, and
the cost of wage concessions, etc., further increased operating costs, a
net income for the year 1937 amounting to $200,000 is found, as against
the net income of $165,000 for the year 1936.

The increase in patronage of the Municipal Railway during the
past year resulted in serious overcrowding of street cars. Following
its policy of placing profits back into the system in the form of in-
creased service, the Public Utilities Commission added 151 extra car
trips daily to the various municipal lines starting in September and
October. All available street cars owmed by the Municipal Railway
are now in operation during peak hours of travel.

Ordinance No. 4.0521, which provides for sick leaves with pay for
employees, required an expenditure of $19,000 by the Municipal Rail-
way for the six months' period, July to December, 1937.

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Track, roadway and equipment have been maintained in excellent
condition, the sum of $342,000 being expended for this purpose.

Fifty-six car bodies and nine buses and service trucks were over-
hauled and painted, 325 Thermit weld rail joints were installed, 850
lineal feet of single track were reconstructed, 80,000 square feet of
asphalt paving were renewed and 37,800 square feet of concrete paving
base were placed.

Capital expenditures and replacements amounted to $170,000. This
sum includes $23,000 for the railway's proportion of cost of the line
"L" extension from Forty-sixth avenue and Taraval street to a ter-
minal on Wawona street, near Fleishhacker Playfield, a total of .90
of a mile of single track; $17,400 for resetting trolley poles on Van
Ness avenue, Market street to North Point street; $46,000 for recon-
struction of Market street, Geary street to Sutter street; $5,000 for
track reconstruction on Market street, Fremont street to Embarcadero,
and $13,800 for miscellaneous track and equipment replacements.

Six new modern buses were purchased at a cost of $60,000 to re-
place obsolete equipment and improve service. One old tower truck
was replaced by a new tower truck at a cost of $4,800.

Rail operation on the Bay Bridge is scheduled to be inaugurated in
November, 1938, and it is of vital importance to the residents of San
Francisco that they be furnished with improved transportation fa-
cilities.

On December 1st the sum of $100,000 in bonds of the railway was
retired from earnings so that there now remains an indebtedness of
only $1,500,000 against the Municipal Railway properties, which are
conservatively valued at $10,000,000.

Over 84,400,000 passengers were carried during the year, an in-
crease of over 4,000,000 passengers over the previous year. Street
cars and buses traveled a distance of 9,000,000 miles. Car service has
been increased; a total of 23,000 car hours over the preceding year
was operated.

Water Rates.

I desire to call the particular attention of the citizens of San Fran-
cisco to the fact that four reductions in water rates have been accom-
plished during less than eight years of municipal ownership of our
water system.

The latest reduction, effective January 1, 1938, will go far toward
making San Francisco attractive to new payroll industries and at the
same time will retain for us existing industrial and commercial con-
sumers who may have otherwise been attracted elsewhere by lower
water rates.

We feel certain that increased sales of water and increased revenue
resulting from these new rates will make further rate reductions pos-
sible in the near future.

The San Francisco Water Department's record is highly significant
in view of the history of repeated rate increases under private owner-
ship of the system prior to 1930.

With surplus available, it is good business for San Francisco to
obtain additional water revenue by sales to outside communities so
that this revenue may be applied to reduce the cost of water for our
own citizens.

Water Department.

As the San Francisco Water Department approaches the close of
its eighth year under City ownership, it presents a very substantial
record of achievement. Progress has been made in service rendered,
both as to quantity and quality of water supplied. Although rates
have been lowered four times, a very sound financial status has been
maintained.

These four water rate reductions within less than eight years of

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municipal operation contrast with operation of the water system dur-
ing the prior decade by a private company. Under private ownership
San Francisco water rates were raised in 1918 and again in 1921.

The four reductions in water rates ordered since March, 1930, when
the City acquired the water system are:

Effective October 26, 1932, rates were materially reduced for
fire sprinkler services. Before this time charges for standby
service of this character had ranged from $9 to $24 per month.
Under the new rates the charge is $3 per month. This re-
duction is designed to improve fire protection and to stimu-
late the installation of private automatic fire protection sys-
tems.

On December 1, 1934, all water rates were reduced 10 per
cent. This reduction included equal lowering of the service
charge from 78c to 70c per month in the case of residential
consumers. Consumers have saved approximately $1,800,000
through this reduction.

Effective January 1, 1937, special "Inducement Rates" were
placed in effect to increase sales of water in San Francisco
and to peninsula communities. This reduction was also be-
cause of surplus waters available from the Hetch Hetchy
project.

Effective January 1, 1938, industrial and commercial rates
were further reduced. Under these new rates more than six
hundred large payroll industries in San Francisco will be
able to obtain water at a saving of approximately 50 per cent
below rates formerly charged.
Total savings to consumers through these several rate reductions
amount to more than $2,000,000. The new water rates just made effec-
tive undoubtedly will further stimulate the sale of water, particularly
to San Mateo and Santa Clara County communities. This will bring
additional revenue to the Water Department, which, in turn, will make
possible further material rate reductions to San Francisco consumers.
Water consumption for this year has averaged 59.2 million gallons
daily, which is a gain of .8 of a million gallons daily over the preceding
year and is an all-time peak consumption.

Water sales for the first ten months of the year amounted to
$5,818,095, with net profit from operations of $2,755,908 as compared
to $2,622,421 for the same period of last year.

The special rates in the higher usage brackets for new and increased
usage, put into effect January 1, 1937, with the view of stimulating
the sale of available surplus Hetch Hetchy water, have resulted in
approximately $190,000 of increased revenue to the Department.

Construction of a pipe line is at present under way for the purpose
of supplying water to the City of Palo Alto and other peninsula com-
munities. The cost of this pipe line, which has been underwritten
by the San Francisco Water Department, will be paid for by the con-
sumers served, through a surcharge on the existing water rates.

Constant effort has been made to attract new business and to increase
sales, and in line with this policy negotiations are now under way look-
ing toward sale of water to the City of San Jose.

With the Hetch Hetchy sources to draw upon, it has been possible
to maintain maximum storage in local peninsula and Alameda reser-
voirs. Storage in these reservoirs reached an all-time high of 59 bil-
lion gallons at the end of the last runoff season, and at the close of
the year will approximate 40 billion gallons — the same as last year.
Draft on the Hetch Hetchy system was greatly curtailed during the
year due to abundant local runoff from the winter's rains. The total
delivery to date from Hetch Hetchy sources now approximates 36 bil-
lion gallons, almost the equivalent of the present combined local
storage.

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Maintenance work has been carried on as usual, with a generally
high state of efficiency resulting for all of the Department's properties.
Construction work necessary to the betterment of service and to
serve new consumers has been carried on with due consideration to
economy of operation.

The $12,095,000 Public Works Administration project is rapidly near-
ing completion, with all contracts awarded and only two projects re-
maining to be finished. Aside from the Bond Issue Program, the most
notable new project undertaken during the year was the construction
of the pipe line to serve the City of Palo Alto and adjacent territory
as above mentioned.

A resume of the financial results of City's operation of the Water
Department from March 3, 1930, to November 1, 1937, shows gross
income of $50,391,762, with operating expenses of $30,370,834. The net
income of $20,020,928 was used for:

Contribution to General Fund $6,740,603

Bond Redemption 7,515,094

Additions and Betterments 4,441,917

Contributions to Hetch Hetchy Project 1,314,432

Miscellaneous 9,882

Hetch Hetchy and Utility Construction.

The enlargement of O'Shaughnessy Dam, raising the crest to a height
of 312 feet above stream bed and 430 feet above the lowest point of
the foundation, is completed, except for a portion of the work of
grouting, which will be finished very early in 1938. The enlarged dam
provides for a reservoir capacity of 117 billion gallons, an increase
of 70 per cent over the former capacity, and will make it possible to
operate Moccasin power plant at full capacity throughout the year.

At Moccasin and at Priest Reservoir nine cottages are being added
to the existing housing for employees. At Tesla Portal, where the
San Joaquin pipe line of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct connects to the
Coast Range tunnel, a chlorinating plant was added to the system.

On the San Francisco peninsula, Crystal Springs pipe line No. 2,
60 inches in diameter, paralleling the 52-year-old 44-inch line No. 1,
is completed. This provides for delivery of a much greater flow by
gravity from Crystal Springs reservoir to University Mound reservoir
for distribution to the downtown district and other relatively low-lying
sections of the City.

Work has been commenced on construction of the Palo Alto pipe line,
a 36-inch line 5% miles long to extend from the Hetch Hetchy Aque-
duct at Redwood City to the southerly section of Palo Alto.

Most of the building construction work so far undertaken for the
Golden Gate International Exposition on Yerba Buena Shoals has been
carried on under P. W. A. contracts, with the City acting as sponsor
through the Public Utilities Commission. This department has super-
vised all such construction. The larger buildings, including ferry
terminals, administration building, hangars, and exhibit palaces, are
completed, and the remainder of the work under the Commission will
be finished in the spring of 1938.

The detail planning and preparation of contracts for the enlargement
of the airport, to be financed from the bond issue approved by the elec-
torate in November, 1937, are in progress. The beautiful, up-to-date
new administration building of the airport was opened with appropri-
ate ceremonies October 24, 1937.

Hetch Hetchy Power.

In March, the Public Utilities Commission's Plan Seven for dis-
tributing Hetch Hetchy power was placed before the voters in the form
of a charter amendment. This amendment would have permitted the

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Public Utilities Commission to issue revenue bonds in the amount of
$50,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring and completing a power distri-
bution system. When this amendment failed to pass, the Secretary
of the Interior wrote me that he would allow fifteen days for the City
to submit some other program of procedure, which would meet his
interpretation of the Raker Act power clause. He further stated that
if the City failed to act as stated, he would bring suit to terminate the
present contract with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. As there
was no other plan to be submitted, and feeling that the present con-
tract with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company is legal, the Secretary
was asked to bring suit to settle this matter permanently. This he did.
The hearing was held in the United States District Court in October,
but as yet no decision has been handed down.

The Hetch Hetchy power property is being maintained in such a
way as to render creditable service. During the spring the water
wheels were overhauled and brought up to modern standards of
efficiency.

The water situation has permitted continual operation at full
capacity throughout the year and there is still sufficient water in stor-
age to continue operation well into the year 1938. Under normal con-
ditions runoff will be available before stored water is exhausted.

Street and Public Building Lighting.

The City of San Francisco now owns approximately 3000 of the 21,000
street lights in service. The widening and improvement of streets
throughout the City has made it necessary to remove old street light-
ing fixtures and these in almost every instance have been replaced
with new municipally owned lamps of modern and efficient type.

A large number of the streets south of Market street have been
relighted, as have a number of the important roadways approaching the
Golden Gate Bridge. Van Ness avenue and Taylor street have been
equipped with new lamps. As the cost of operating the City-owned
lamps is considerably below that of company-owned lamps, these im-
provements have not appreciably added to the annual bill. This in
spite of the fact that in most cases the effectiveness of the lighting has
been doubled or tripled.

As many portions of the City are still poorly lighted, I would recom-
mend that the City add to the municipally-owned street lighting sys-
tem every year. The increasing use of automobiles makes dark streets
very hazardous.

Rapid Transit.

The Public Utilities Commission's plan for the construction of rapid
transit lines reaching to all parts of the City was finally ordered
placed on the November ballot by the Board of Supervisors in August.
A Citizens' Rapid Transit Committee did everything within its power
to educate the public as to the necessity for this improvement.

The privately-owned railway lines, appreciating that the system pro-
posed would materially cut into their proceeds, indirectly opposed the
bond issue very vigorously through a central committee and neighbor-
hood improvement clubs. As a two-thirds vote was necessary for
approval, the time allowed for educational purposes was not sufficient
to overcome the organized opposition; and, on November 2nd, the plan
was decisively defeated at the polls.

For the best interests of our City and the good of every citizen, some
practical solution must be found for our public transportation problem.
This should be done soon, as we are already laboring under a great
handicap which is laying a heavy toll in time and money on everyone.
The Public Utilities Commission plan is, I believe, the only effective
and permanent solution yet submitted.

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San Francisco Airport.

San Francisco Airport's position in the world's air commerce has
been enhanced materially during the past year. As a definite guar-
antee that this position will be maintained and that our Airport facili-
ties will meet the demands of phenomenal increases in airplane size
and performance that will be forthcoming during the next few years,
the people of San Francisco at the election of November 2, endorsed
by a vote of 108,573 to 46,683 an Airport bond issue in the amount
of $2,850,000.

Major developments to be provided under the bond issue include
completion of the seaplane base now under construction at the field,
and the addition of some 300 acres of land to the Airport proper by
reclamation of tide flats along the east border of the landing area.
Runways varying in length from 4200 to 6000 feet will be provided.

The seaplane base will be the Pacific Coast headquarters of Pan
American Airways, largest transoceanic air transport line in the
world. The establishment of its base at our air terminal will assure
San Francisco a dominant position in the great field of transpacific
air commerce, which is now so successfully being pioneered. With
inauguration of transatlantic air schedules our City will become an
important link in round-the-world air service.

Congress has authorized establishment of a U. S. Coast Guard air
base with seaplanes, amphibians, hangars, and a personnel of some
sixty men on our seaplane harbor. U. S. Army engineers have been
authorized to provide one-half the cost of channel dredging and all
maintenance costs.

Additional improvements to be financed by the bond issue include
hangars, shops, paving, drainage, radio and lighting equipment.

A major acquisition of the year with regard to domestic air com-
merce was the inauguration of service between San Francisco Airport
and the east coast by Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc. A permit
to pioneer a second transcontinental air route from San Francisco was
granted this major airline by the Interstate Commerce Commission.
Schedules were inaugurated on September 5, with San Francisco Air-
port as the western terminus and base. The new route runs via the
southern Sierras, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
It is considered one of the most scenic in the world.

United Air Lines' operations at our terminal have been greatly im-
proved during the year. Transports of greater speed and twice the
size of those in use a year ago have been brought into service. Some
of these are of de luxe "skysleeper" and "skylounge" design.

Our Airport operations offices are now housed in a new $160,000
Administration Building, unexcelled in Airport administrative struc-
tures. The building embodies a happy combination of beauty and
efficiency. It is topped by a double-deck traffic control tower with
latest type radio equipment. The new building was publicly dedicated
on October 24, with an afternoon's aerial program attended by throngs
of San Francisco citizens, and broadcast over NBC radio lanes.

Airport traffic figures for the calendar year 1937 show:

Passengers, arrivals and departures (excluding

"through" passengers) 50,800

Air Mail poundage "in" and "out" 1,165,100

Air Express poundage "out" 169,600

Transport planes "in" and "out" 16,000

Commercially and privately based operators at the Airport, apart
from the airlines, include the Coast's leading airplane sales and service
organization, five airplane agencies, and four flying schools. Forty-two
airplanes are based at the field. The terminal is used also by itinerant
aircraft from all parts of the nation.

San Francisco's second airport of the future, now in the process of

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construction at the Treasure Island fair site, has taken definite form
during the year. Buildings of the Golden Gate International Exposi-
tion, for which purpose the site is to be used during 1939, are rapidly
springing up, and the future Airport Administration Building and
hangars are nearing completion. The need of providing this second
Airport is clearly indicated by the great strides being made in air
commerce.

Office of the Treasurer.

The Treasurer's Office is conducted strictly under the provisions
of the laws of the State of California, the Charter and the ordinances
and resolutions of the Board of Supervisors. The following is a brief
summary of the business of the office for the fiscal year 1936-1937:

Cash received, $77,571,203.59. Cash disbursed, $80,796,008.45. Total
cash, $158,367,212.04. Interfund and departmental accounts, $105,966,-
008.17. Interest earnings on the deposit of public funds in banks,
$121,255.40. Cash on hand at the close of business June 30, 1937,
$23,783,115.59. Tax anticipation notes sold, $7,500,000.00.

Inheritance tax collected for the State of California, $1,928,319.31.
Commissions and fees earned for collecting the tax and deposited in
the treasury, $12,369.74. The collection is not a municipal function
but is a responsibility imposed upon county treasurers by State law.

During the fiscal year the office handled twenty-two P. W. A. ac-
counts under Federal and local control. Funds allocated to these ac-
counts are frozen under the terms of the agreements and grants of the
Federal government. Moneys in these funds cannot be borrowed for
current expenses under Section 31 of Article IV of the Constitution
of the State of California.

The National City Bank of New York, the designated fiscal agent,
paid bond redemption, $3,063,100.00, and bond interest, $3,697,176.25 to
eastern bondholders.

The securities of the Retirement System of the City and County in
the custody of the Treasurer amount to $18,227,087.50.

The Treasurer's Office handles the funds of the Islais Creek Reclama-
tion District without compensation.

The annual audit at the close of the fiscal year showed the account-
ing and cash exactly correct.

Parks.

With the approach of the International Exposition in 1939 and its
attendant thousands of visitors and tourists to our city from all quar-
ters of the globe, our park system and the beautification of our public
places assume an added importance.

Many thousands of Fair visitors will take a trip through our Golden
Gate Park and Zoological Gardens, while in the city, and with this in
mind every effort is being made to refurbish our more familiar beauty
spots.

San Franciscans who live in the Richmond and Sunset districts now
find in use a modern, high-speed crossover drive through Golden Gate
Park, connecting Nineteenth avenue in the Sunset with Twenty-fifth
avenue in the Richmond. It is hoped that this road will be utilized
in the future as an auxiliary approach to the Golden Gate Bridge,
especially in connection with the Bridge link to Thirteenth avenue
now under construction. This work was undertaken and carried to a
successful conclusion by the Works Progress Administration.

A large new meadow immediately east of the Golden Gate Park
Stadium is rapidly nearing completion and it is hoped that it will be
available for healthful recreation facilities this coming spring.

The Golden Gate Park Stadium itself, with its training quarters,
has undergone complete restoration and now has available for the use

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of spectators at all types of athletic contests eight thousand modern
stadium seats, overlooking the interior of the Stadium.

The alteration of the cooling sheds and the surrounding area for
the use of those who take part in the trotting races and polo games
is an active W. P. A. project, and it is hoped that the entire plant will
be completed and ready for use for the many athletic activities that
will take place there during the Exposition year.

The famous tennis center in Golden Gate Park has been resurfaced,
additional courts added and other features installed to improve this
ever-popular San Francisco activity.

The Zoological Garden at the Herbert Fleishhacker Playfield is rapidly
nearing completion and hundreds of large trees have been moved in
to create a park-like appearance on an otherwise sandy terrain.

The modernistic bathhouse and recreation center at the Aquatic Park
is also about 75 per cent complete and the work thereon is still
progressing satisfactorily.

Artists of the Works Progress Administration have completed the
embellishment of the Mothers' House at the Fleishhacker Playfield and
are adding a touch of brightness by mural decoration at the Beach
Chalet, at the west end of Golden Gate Park. The portion of this work
that has already been completed has received very favorable comment
in national art circles.

An unusual recreation feature for our future anglers is now com-
pleted and in operation immediately west of the Stadium in Golden
Gate Park. It is a series of pools for the use of fly casters. These
pools also serve as a reservoir for the irrigation of the Park.

The restoration work at the Palace of Fine Arts is rapidly terminat-
ing. As this is the only remaining structure of the Panama Pacific
International Exposition, it will no doubt be seen and commented
upon by large numbers of visitors to the new Exposition. The restora-
tion of this classic structure had been a source of satisfaction to all
good San Franciscans.

Under the guiding genius of John McLaren, dean of all park superin-
tendents, our parks, with their many and varied forms of amusement,
beauty spots and landscaped vistas, present a well-rounded recreation
system for the young and old of San Francisco.

Recreation Department.

The Recreation Department in the past year, in keeping with the
trend of the times, has provided a stimulating program of varied
activities to meet the needs of young and old. The facilities have
been taxed to the limit as many of our people find themselves forced
by circumstances to seek their recreation within areas under jurisdic-
tion of this Department.

The personnel of the Department, year by year, becomes more
efficient and resourceful. The staff has had the added responsibility
of an extensive W. P. A. program which it has directed with success.

It is the policy of the Commission to anticipate and foster new
recreational interests. In line with this policy, gardening has been
made a major interest, and a city-wide response has been most gratify-
ing. The first hobby show held in the San Francisco Art Museum was
visited by many thousands. The Department recognizes hobbies as an
important form of recreation, and ideas and directions are given at the
Junior Museum.

Within the budget, land has been purchased in the following dis-
tricts: Bay View, Corona Heights, Eureka Valley, Haight-Ashbury,
Longfellow, Sunset and Upper Noe Valley. Eleven recreation areas
are being developed.

The president of the Commission has added four acres to Stern
Recreation Grove. This purchase makes possible a permanent and
adequate entrance into that area.

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Camp Mather was improved, the season extended, and the attendance
the greatest in its history.

Cooperating with the Golden Gate Bridge Committee, Columbus
Day Committee and the Golden Gate International Exposition on
Treasure Island, hundreds of children trained by the personnel of the
Department took part in the celebrations during the year.

Attendance has increased on all grounds. Reports from directors-
at-large still show a lessening of delinquency and recidivism. With
the addition of two directors-at-large, all districts in San Francisco
will come under this unique plan of delinquency prevention. Many
of the citizens are not familiar with this work, which is widely
recognized as an original approach to the problem.

The Department wishes to thank all city departments that have
generously cooperated with it as this cooperation has made the
Recreation Department more efficient.

Board of Permit Appeals.

During the six years of its existence, under the new Charter, this
Board has heard 389 cases. It has given adequate consideration to all
appeals, endeavoring to satisfy those who have come before it. During
1937, it heard 64 appeals.

The Board of Permit Appeals gives thoughtful consideration to ap-
peals taken from the decisions of the Chief of the Police Department,
Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, the Director of Public Health,
the Director of Public Works, the Department of Electricity and the
License Department of the Tax Collector's office.

Many important projects have been expedited by this body, which
is ably justifying its existence.

City Planning Commission.

The City Planning Commission reports that the draft of proposed
amendments to the zoning ordinance referred to in my report last
year is now complete and will shortly be forwarded for consideration
of, and action by the Board of Supervisors. The proposed amendments
will serve to clarify the wording of the present ordinance and intro-
duce a proceeding which will allow the Commission some latitude in
the application of some of its provisions which now may be considered
somewhat inequitable.

The W. P. A. land use survey project sponsored by this Commission
was completed about two months ago. Now available are 14 new maps
graphically showing present land uses throughout San Francisco,
together with an examination sheet of the use of each parcel of prop-
erty in every block. As time permits the information thus made avail-
able will be studied to determine what changes are indicated in the
zoning plan of San Francisco, following which such changes as are
considered desirable will be recommended to the Board of Supervisors.

Eighty-one applications proposing the reclassification of property
under the zoning ordinance were filed this year. This is a further
increase over the corresponding period of last year. In each instance
the particular property involved in a proposed change was visited
personally by the Commission and public hearings held thereon.

Seven applications proposing the establishment or change of build-
ing set-back lines were filed during the year. The Commission on its
own motion, however, established building set-back lines in some 14
instances, among which was the establishment of such a line along
the westerly side of Junipero Serra boulevard from Ocean avenue to
Nineteenth avenue. This action was taken in order to provide sufficient
area for the continuance of a service road paralleling Junipero Serra
boulevard and conforming to the service road north of Ocean avenue
to Sloat boulevard. It is planned to continue this scheme southerly
from Nineteenth avenue to the County Line. The San Mateo County

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Planning Commission has been apprised of our plan for Junipero
Serra boulevard development and it has been suggested that a similar
plan be adopted for its improvement in San Mateo county.

Before the close of this fiscal year the Commission will, on its own
motion, establish building set-back lines in residential districts in
various sections of San Francisco as funds permit as was done last
year. This process will be continued until such has been done in all
residential districts throughout the city. Set-back lines were estab-
lished for street widening purposes on Army street, San Jose avenue,
Third street and Portola drive.

The City Planning Commission, on its own motion, established a
building set-back line and advocated the acquisition of a strip of land
along the easterly side of Portola drive, between Twenty-fourth street
and Twenty-sixth street. This property, located on the southeasterly
slope of Twin Peaks, affords one of the most beautiful panoramic views
of San Francisco. From this point the visitor to San Francisco, from
the south, gets his first glimpse of the city. It is proposed that this
small area be appropriately parked and improved to serve as "Obser-
vation Point."

The Commission has initiated a W. P. A. project to make a 50-foot
to the inch scale plat of every block throughout San Francisco on
which will be shown every use made of the land, improvements erected
thereon, their construction, height, etc. In the streets will be shown
all sub-surface utilities. These maps will be invaluable not alone to
this department, but to the Assessor, Department of Public Works,
Health Department, Fire Department, and others; the finished maps
being a complete inventory of each block.

Charter Section 24 provides that no permit or license affected by
the zoning or set-back line ordinance shall be issued without the
prior approval of the City Planning Commission. The Bureau of
Building Inspection and the Fire Department have complied with this
requirement. The Department of Electricity is now collaborating in
this connection. Negotiations with the Department of Public Health
to similarly effect such cooperation have been started. Other depart-
ments affected will be contacted to the same end as time permits.

Numerous plans of proposed sub-division and re-subdivision of
undeveloped area have been studied by the Commission during the
past year. The Charter makes it mandatory that the City Planning
Commission shall make recommendations on all sub-divisions of land
laid out in building lots in the City and County.

Outstanding and of tremendous importance in this field of activity
is the proposed development of that vast unimproved area lying west-
erly from Junipero Serra boulevard to the ocean shore, and southerly
from Sloat boulevard to the County Line, more commonly known as
"Lake Merced Lands." There is no question that this area, properly
planned and developed, will become one of the choicest residential
sections in our city. Careful and deliberate consideration should be
given to its ultimate development. The northeasterly portion of this
area, bounded by Sloat boulevard, Junipero Serra boulevard and Nine-
teenth avenue, is now under development. The owners of this unde-
veloped tract of land have evidenced a willingness to collaborate in
this work and have submitted a tentative master plan which is now
being studied.

Consideration is being given by the Commission of the possible
development of Lombard street as to the Use Classification of the
property fronting on this street, in view of its contemplated use as
the main east and west on and off approach to the Golden Gate Bridge.

War Memorial Trustees.

The two great buildings which constitute San Francisco's War
Memorial still stand as a unique monument of respect and honor to

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those who have served their country in its wars. There are probably
no two buildings in the municipal family group, here or anywhere in
America, which serve a greater cross-section of our citizenry than
the War Memorial Opera House and Veterans' Building. Ever on the
up-growth, their activities reached a new high during 1937.

It is hard to estimate the exact number of San Franciscans who use
the Opera House in a given year, but a conservative estimate would
easily reach a total well over 500,000. It is the home of the opera and
the symphony — the temple in which all great visiting artists make
their appearances. It is the place of graduation for the pupils of our
high schools, and in other ways serves many groups of citizens. The
Opera House is the haven of all music lovers, and San Francisco is
known the world over as one of the foremost music-loving American
cities. The 1937 opera season was so outstanding that our great sister
city of Los Angeles commandeered our entire organization — principals,
chorus, ballet, orchestra, and scenic productions, for a supplementary
season in the southern city. The advertising derived from this one
source puts the name of San Francisco on the lips of cultured people
throughout the world. If it is a forerunner of future possibilities, and
if our opera company is called North as well as South, it will not be
long ere San Francisco will be known as the "Salzburg of America,"
and the investment in the Opera House and the operation thereof by
the City, will become infinitesimal as compared with the valuable
exploitation along this line alone.

The Opera House last year had a particularly busy season, and the
productions excelled anything heretofore attempted. The symphony
enjoyed an augmented number of concerts, together with an important
series for school children, and visiting artists came to be heard at
the Opera House during the concert season as often, in some instances,
as three and four times in a week. In addition to a regular subscrip-
tion series of eleven operas, the Saturday night popular-priced series
was continued, opening up a great vista of music to the public at large.
Again there was not a vacant seat for any of the eighteen performances
given. The capacity of the Opera House makes possible the annual
visit of a popular priced opera company, to which the best seats are
available at no more than $1 each. This season of three weeks brings
within the reach of everyone very fine grand opera performances.

One of the busiest spots in the entire City is the Veterans' Building,
twin of the Opera House in outward appearance, but, of course, entirely
different within its four granite walls. The activities in this building
increase year by year, and definite statistics reveal that there were
4453 meetings held during the year, an average of 371 per month, and
that the attendance in this building during the year, including meet-
ings and attendance at affairs in the auditorium, but not including the
use of the offices on the ground floor, the use of the club rooms, the
library and lounge, or the number of patrons using the facilities of
the Art Museum exceeded 700,000. Improvements in this building are
constantly under way. Further comforts are provided and a dignified
and becoming atmosphere maintained everywhere. It is indeed the
finest shrine to veterans in America, and the number of citizens that
found use for its various facilities proves beyond peradventure that
the Veterans' Building is one of the most appreciated of the City's
many assets.

Year by year, the activities of the San Francisco Museum of Art on
the fourth floor of this building bring public attention to this section
of the Memorial group. More than 160,000 people have availed them-
selves of the facilities of the spacious museum galleries during the
last year. Three hundred sixty lectures, class meetings, assemblies
of art groups, etc., one for every day of the year, have been held.
Twenty major exhibits have brought to San Francisco the finest of
contemporary and recent art compositions. One especially noteworthy
exhibit, from the standpoint of public interest, was devoted to land-

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scaping. A current exhibit of great interest is known as the hobby
show. As is generally known, this museum is open evenings, and is
probably the only major palace of art in the nation in which such a
condition prevails. The beautiful grounds and gardens of the War
Memorial buildings are becoming more beautiful. They are among the
most artistic park plantings in the City, and have rapidly taken a
place among the most important of San Francisco's notable land-
scaping features.

The War Memorial buildings are a constant tribute to the finest
elements of the community. San Francisco's famous Civic Center is
fringed with these magnificent edifices which form its western back-
ground. The War Memorial is operated by a board of eleven trustees,
of which Allison E. Schofield was president last year.

Art Commission.

With the obvious indications of its scope and work accomplished
since its establishment, the San Francisco Art Commission, supervising
and controlling the City's policy for the advancement of art and
music, has become one with the fullest power and jurisdiction of any
similar body in the country.

Music continued to play an outstanding part in the activities of
the Commission during the past year. The subsidy, the only one of
its kind in the United States provided by Charter amendment, has
been an important factor in re-establishing the San Francisco Sym-
phony Orchestra to a high place among the major orchestras of the
country. The municipal series with the symphony, and internationally
known ballets, world famed soloists, our own municipal chorus and
distinguished local soloists have continued to attract thousands of
music lovers to the Civic Auditorium and the Opera House. In con-
formity with the established policy of the Art Commission, these
events were offered to the public at prices ranging from 20 cents to
80 cents. Surely there is no city in America or in European music
centers that offers to its citizens such a standard of music attractions
at such nominal prices within the reach of all.

The activities of the Art Commission in other fields, such as archi-
tecture, painting, sculpture and landscaping have been numerous.
Whether it be the acceptance of any work of art ranging from the
plans of the largest public building to the most insignificant lamp
post on any public street, the Commission has looked to the protection
of the City and its citizens who under other circumstances might
have had forced upon them various works or buildings of inferior
merit or mediocre execution.

Gratifying to the municipality is the assurance that this Commis-
sion, composed of architects, artists, musicians, litterateurs and lay-
men of distinction are unselfishly giving time and study to the aesthetic
and cultural problems confronting them, and have worked with
acknowledged success. This is a source of satisfaction to those who
were instrumental in the conception and development of the San Fran-
cisco Art Commission.

It is with regret that the limitations of the physical health of Mr.
Edgar Walter, the former president of the Art Commission and a
member of seven years, compelled him to submit his resignation. His
distinguished services and leadership have meant much to the Com-
mission, who hope to be favored by a continuance of his valued advice
and excellent judgment.

San Francisco Museums.

The year 1937 was marked by gratifying progress in the development
of the two municipal museums of San Francisco. Nearly 900,000 peo-
ple visited the California Palace of the Legion of Honor and the M. H.
deYoung Memorial Museum.

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Of outstanding importance was the exhibition of paintings, drawings,
and prints by Francisco Goya, celebrated Spanish painter of the late
Eighteenth and early Nineteenth century, held at the California Palace
of the Legion of Honor during June. This exhibition, containing a
comprehensive group of paintings by the master, together with a nota-
ble series of his drawings and practically all his graphic work, was
the largest representation of Goya's work ever assembled in this coun-
try. Presented at a time when Spanish affairs were claiming world-
wide attention, the exhibition attracted no less than 50,000 visitors
during the four weeks that it was shown.

A second exhibition of special interest was the large collection of
sculpture by Anna Hyatt Huntington, which was held at the California
Palace of the Legion of Honor during the month of July. This exhibi-
tion was made possible through the generosity of the sculptress and
her husband, Archer M. Huntington, both of whom have long been
active patrons of the museum. On the occasion of this exhibition,
Mrs. Huntington's large equestrian statue of The Cid, presented to
the museum some time ago by Mr. Herbert Fleishhacker, was placed
in front of the building as a companion piece to the Joan of Arc,
donated several years ago by Mr. Huntington. Numerous additional
monthly shows have provided an exhibition schedule of varied interest.

The extensive work of reconstruction, which considerably handi-
capped the exhibition activities at the M. H. deYoung Memorial Mu-
seum during 1936, was completed in January, 1937. To inaugurate the
new galleries, a comprehensive exhibition of Islamic art was held at
the M. H. deYoung Memorial Museum during the period from Feb-
ruary 24 to April 7. Not only was this exhibition the first of its kind
to be brought to San Francisco, but it also provided the most exhaus-
tive survey of the arts of the Near Eastern countries ever shown in
America. More than 120,000 people attended the exhibition. A variety
of smaller loan exhibitions, embracing the plastic and graphic arts
of Europe and America, served to round out the schedule of exhibi-
tions for the year.

A number of important works of art have been added to the perma-
nent collection of the California Palace of the Legion of Honor. Mr.
and Mrs. H. K. S. Williams, whose generous benefactions have, during
the past few years, so notably enriched the museum's collection, sig-
nified their continued interest in the California Palace of the Legion
of Honor by presenting three paintings. These are: "A Portrait of
the Gardner Children" by William Beechey, the Eighteenth Century
English master; a landscape by Frederick Lee, English artist of the
Nineteenth Century, and the portrait of a Spanish Peasant Girl by
Martin Baer, contemporary American painter. The fine "Portrait of
a Young Man" by the well-known French artist of the first half of the
Eighteenth Century, Jean Francois de Troy, has been acquired for the
Collis P. Huntington Memorial Collection from funds provided by Mr.
Archer M. Huntington. Lastly, the museum was fortunate in acquiring
a particularly important example of the work of Ferdinand Bol, the
Dutch artist of the Seventeenth Century who was the favorite and
gifted pupil of Rembrandt. The painting in question is a monumental
canvas entitled, "The Archery Prize," a picture generally acknowl-
edged to be one of Bol's most significant works. In connection with
the Goya exhibition, the museum acquired a complete set of the
master's famous series of aquatints: "The Disasters of War," eighty
in number, and a partial set of his equally celebrated aquatints: "The
Proverbs."

Four California period rooms form a special feature of the newly
reconstructed west wing of the M. H. deYoung Memorial Museum: a
bedroom of 1850; a sitting room of 1865; a parlor of 1870, and a
boudoir of 1885. This last room was the generous gift of Mrs. Herbert
E. Clayburgh, presented as a memorial to her mother, Carrie Heller
Newman.

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The permanent collection of the M. H. deYoung Memorial Museum
was also augmented through valuable additions made possible by
funds left by the late Mr. M. H. deYoung. Among these were the
handsome portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Hunerwadel, by the great
French artist of the early Nineteenth Century, Francois Gerard; a
beautiful F'rench mantelpiece of the early Eighteenth Century, and a
colossal stone hand, a rare example of Chinese sculpture of the T'ang
Period (618-907 A. D.).

The educational activities of both museums have progressed in a
most satisfactory manner, lectures, radio talks, etc., given by members
of the museum staff, having met with a gratifying response on the
part of schools, clubs and the general public.

In short, the year 1937 has been a most auspicious one in the devel-
opment of our two City museums.

San Francisco Public Library.

The Library Department consists of the main library in the Civic
Center, twenty-one branch libraries, and seven deposit stations. The
collection of books is approximately 500,000 volumes. The circulation
of books for home reading during the past year amounted to 3,500,000
volumes. While no record is kept of the material used in the various
reference and reading rooms of the main library and branches, it is
estimated that it would more than equal the home circulation of
books. During the year about 9,000,000 people availed themselves of
the facilities of the library.

During the last fiscal year, $100,000 was spent for books which is
the largest book fund that the library has had for many years. From
this amount, the main library and branches were supplied with new
books, as well as complete collections of up-to-date reference material.
Five thousand dollars was spent for art books, which were secured
from European as well as American markets. It is a pleasure to state
that the library now has one of the finest art divisions in the West.
The division of history was enriched by a large collection which was
purchased through the European second-hand book markets. In this
way, much valuable material was replaced which was destroyed in
the fire of 1906.

The appropriation for the current fiscal year amounts to $470,000,
which is an increase of $20,000 over that of the last fiscal year.

In preparation for the large number of visitors who will be in San
Francisco during 1939, the library has started an extensive program
of cleaning and repairing at the main library and branches. One of
the major improvements was the installation of proper lighting facili-
ties in the main reading and reference rooms. This adjustment proved
a source of much comfort to the reading public.

Extensive renovations were completed on the Richmond and Mission
branches. These improvements not only made the branches named
more attractive, but also made it possible to serve more effectively the
large number of adults and children who use them. The Sunset branch
was reorganized. A children's room, similar to the ones at the Mis-
sion and Richmond branches, was installed. The Presidio and North
Beach branches were also cleaned and repaired. The remaining
branches will receive necessary attention during the coming year.

The Business branch in the Russ building was moved to larger
quarters from the eleventh to the sixth floor. Many improvements
have been made and new equipment installed which makes this service
to the public more efficient and convenient.

As an experiment, a small deposit station was opened at the Potrero
Hill Neighborhood House. If this venture is successful it will be tried
in other districts of the city.

The library has been working in close cooperation with the Conven-
tion and Tourist Bureau, in the endeavor to have the American Library

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Association hold its annual meeting in San Francisco in 1939. It is
estimated that this convention will bring about 4000 visitors from all
parts of the country to San Francisco.

During the year, the library received many interesting and useful
gifts of books, music and pamphlets. One of the most important gifts
was the library of the late Joseph Bluxome which included many rare
volumes. These proved a valuable addition to the collection. Many
educational, literary and musical lectures and exhibitions were held
in the main library during the year, attracting large audiences.

On account of the lack of Federal funds, the building of the branch
libraries in the West Portal and Bernal districts has been delayed.
However, through the cooperation of the Public Welfare Commission
and the Library Commission, funds have been supplied and the work
on the West Portal branch building will begin the first part of the year.
It is hoped that the Bernal branch building will begin shortly after.

The library suffered a great loss in the death of George W. Kelham,
who was chairman of the Building Committee for many years. He
was succeeded by Maurice E. Harrison. Sylvester Andriano resigned
as Library Commissioner, to accept a vacancy on the Police Commis-
sion. He was succeeded by Daniel J. Murphy.

Chief Administrative Officer.

Through the adoption of up-to-date methods and the installation of
modern equipment in the various departments under his jurisdiction,
economies have been effected by the Chief Administrative Officer and
a high degree of efficiency obtained.

The major projects, completed during the past year, by the Depart-
ment of Public Works are fully described in the attached report.

Work planned for the near future includes the construction of the
Funston avenue approach to the Golden Gate Bridge through the
Presidio Reservation for which negotiations with the Federal govern-
ment over a period of five years have just been satisfactorily com-
pleted.

The widening of Lombard street, to be undertaken in the immediate
future, will solve a difficult traffic problem and afford more ready
access from the eastern portions of the city to the Golden Gate Bridge.

The construction of the sewage disposal plant for the entire western
drainage arsa is in progress and should be completed during the
calendar year of 1938.

The street traffic problem has been the subject of intensive study
by the City Engineer. The Street Traffic Advisory Board has held
monthly meetings and recommended many necessary installations of
equipment and the widening of traffic arteries.

Since the defeat by the voters of the elimination of dead-end streets
on Market street opposite Fifth and opposite Grant avenue, the City
Engineer has begun a study of the possibilities of underground or
overhead vehicular passages across Market street. No determination,
however, has yet been reached on this subject.

The opening of the Psychopathic Building by the Department of
Public Health marks a decided advance in the treatment of mental
ailments.

The adoption of the health bonds to the extent of $1,600,000 will make
available necessary additions to the Relief Home and the Hassler
Health Home.

A major change has been the creation of the County Welfare De-
partment, which now is in charge of relief activities instead of the
Chief Administrative Officer.

The Chief Administrative Officer is appreciative of the splendid co-
operation of the various department heads and employees under his
jurisdiction.

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Department of Finance and Records.

This Department includes the functions and personnel of the offices
of the Registrar of Voters, County Clerk, Recorder, Public Administra-
tor and Tax Collector. Herewith are the reports of the offices named.
As you will note, the figures are not all complete to the end of this
calendar year, as at this date it is impossible to arrive at them.
However, in most cases an estimate has been arrived at, which from
previous experience should be approximate.

The total expense of this office for the calendar year 1937 is
$7,936.49. All requisitions, purchase orders and warrants connected
with the five departments clear through this office, and a complete
account is kept of their expense and operation.

Tax Collector.

Tax Collector Edward F. Bryant reports that real estate and secured
personal property taxes collected amounted to $28,163,457.03; unsecured
personal property taxes amounted to $957,256.85. *

The Bureau of Delinquent Revenue collected unsecured personal
property taxes and various delinquent accounts from other depart-
ments, in amount, $85,818.39; for the San Francisco Hospital, $19,-
939.55; for the Sonoma State Home, $7,466.81; for the County Welfare
Department, $4,341.50.

In the Bureau of Licenses, for the year ending June 30, 1937, there
was collected various license and inspection fees amounting to $351,-
410.88. The total collections for the office were $29,589,691.01.

Registrar of Voters.

During the current year, two public elections were conducted by
this office, a Special Election held March 9, 1937, at which were sub-
mitted eighteen proposed Charter amendments and two ordinances,
and the General Municipal Election held November 2, 1937, to fill cer-
tain municipal offices and to vote on nine sundry propositions.

In addition to these, this department was also required to conduct
the election of the municipal employees to select the Directors of the
Health Service Board. This election was held from April 25 to May 7,
at which 9335 votes were cast. There were forty-eight candidates, of
which number nine were elected.

At the Special Election held March 9, the total registration was
281,146, of which 152,469 voted, and for the General Municipal Election,
out of a total registration of 290,019, 176,200 voted.

During the year this office registered 15,646 new electors and also
re-registered on account of changing residence 14,271 electors, or a
total of 29,917.

In addition, this office was called upon to change the political affilia-
tions of 3732. These figures in the aggregate do not seem formidable
when compared to the total registration but call for a great deal of
detail work.

No record is made of the certificates of registration issued to appli-
cants who want them for identification purposes, for civil service re-
quirements or for old-age pension necessities, but the number issued
runs into the thousands and keeps the clerks busy constantly hunting
up necessary records.

Six initiative and referendum petitions — aggregating 160,134 signa-
tures— were submitted to this office for checking and were certified
to the proper officers. At the General Municipal Election 1267 voting
machines were used and again demonstrated their efficiency and cor-
rectness in recording the will of the voters.

Again, I would urge the building of a central warehouse, properly

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equipped to protect all voting machines under one roof. The present
set-up is very unsatisfactory and does not provide necessary protec-
tion, either from the standpoint of possible miscreants or from climatic
conditions. The $1,500,000 invested in these voting machines should
warrant such protection as I suggest.

At the Municipal Election there were 3368 officers of election, the
great majority of whom are efficient and trustworthy and imbued with
a civic spirit to do their part for the general government. They are
on duty practically fourteen or fifteen hours on election day besides
other time devoted to their instructions as to their duties. I would
urge that serious consideration be given to increasing their compensa-
tion to $10, as the increase will induce a more competent body of
electors to apply for the positions as inspectors and judges of election.
And, while on this matter, I believe an appeal to the employers of
San Francisco to encourage their employees — particularly the younger
men and women — to do service as election officers, would provide this
office with a more efficient and competent corps.

The budget allowances for this current fiscal year did not take into
consideration any special elections to be consolidated with the munici-
pal election and it may be necessary to readjust the finances of this
office to provide for regular expenditures until June 30, 1938.

County Clerk.

Extensive changes and alterations planned for the County Clerk's
Office have been completed during the past year. These changes in-
clude the adoption of flat files for original papers, photographic copy-
ing of records, the adoption of a central cashier system, and rearrange-
ment of office departments.

The relative volume of business of the office as compared with the
year previously reported is as follows, covering the year preceding
November 1, 1937:

Civil actions filed, 7592 as against 7632 for previous year; probate
matters filed, 3110, an increase of 203; marriage licenses totaled 6758,
an increase of 62. Criminal actions were 1130 in number.

Fees in all departments for the period named amounted to $115,986.56.
Law Library fees were $14,649, which brings the total of moneys
collected for fees and fines to $130,635.56, a gain of $2,705.99.

Public Administrator.

The report of the operations of the office of Public Administrator,
covering the period from January 2, 1937, to November 30, 1937, is
summarized below:

Number of estates wherein Public Administrator took possession
from January 2, 1937, to November 30, 1937, 320; number of estates
in which final accounts have been settled and allowed, 229; Adminis-
trator's fees collected and paid into County Treasury, $29,849.37; at-
torney's fees collected and paid into County Treasury, $29,854.38;
total fees paid into Treasury, $59,703.75; total cost of operation of
office from January 2, 1937, to date, $36,175.87; profit, $23,527.88.

Recorder.

For the calendar year 1937 the Recorder reports receipts of re-
cording fees amounting to $131,682.95; paid out for salaries during
the year, $95,777.77; excess, receipts over salaries, $35,905.18.

During the year this department copied, free of charge, for veterans
and their dependents, for the United States and for this State and its
political subdivisions, some 3255 documents containing 15,593 folios.

My 1936 report stated that owing to the heavy increase in volume

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of work received, the copying department was some 96,000 folios be-
hind. With the help of extra copyists during part of 1937, the copying
department is now almost up to date with its work.

Department of Electricity.

During the calendar year 1937 this department manufactured, in-
stalled and maintained fire alarm boxes, police boxes, traffic-control
devices and street signs.

Radio receiving sets were installed in 70 Fire and Police Depart-
ment cars, 37 motorcycles and 19 police stations.

There have been installed 19 fire alarm boxes, making a total of
1528 boxes in service. Monthly tests of fire alarm boxes totaled 15,184.
Total number of signals transmitted, 44,064.

In the Inspection Bureau, 17,784 applications were received; inspec-
tions made, 46,422; installations approved, 15,875. Inspection fees and
other revenue received, $72,700.03. Inspections of overhead line con-
struction numbered 3833.

There were manufactured in the machine shop 53 traffic signals,
five fire alarm boxes, seven police boxes and two beacon reflector units.

Total expenditures in the department amounted to $201,219.

Real Estate Department.

A right of way 5 miles in length is being acquired by the City for
the Palo Alto pipe line. This pipe line will furnish Hetch Hetchy
water to the towns of Atherton, Menlo Park and Palo Alto.

The department is continuing to purchase land for widening Nine-
teenth avenue from Lincoln way to Sloat boulevard and Army street
westerly from Bryant street. Most of the buildings affected by the
widening of these streets are being relocated by the owners at the
City's expense. A contract has been let for grading and paving the
section of Nineteenth avenue from Taraval street to Sloat boulevard.

About 140 parcels of real property have been bought by the City
during the year 1937 for various projects, including parks, playgrounds,
schools, pipe lines, reservoirs, streets and the airport, at a total cost
approximating $683,000.

Appraisals have been made for the proposed extension of Fifth
street and Grant avenue; also for a proposed new street south of Mar-
ket street, between Third and Fourth streets; and for many other
projects.

In July, the Director of Property assisted the Board of Supervisors,
sitting as a Board of Equalization, in passing upon requests for reduc-
tions in 1937-38 assessments on taxable real property in San Francisco.

Two 20-year leases have been entered into by the City as lessor. One
lease covers the property on Kansas street near Army street, the other
lease pertains to the block at Fifteenth and De Haro streets, at total
rentals of $43,200 and $105,000, respectively. A parcel of City land at
the corner of Portola drive and Woodside avenue has been leased for
10 years.

Twenty-one parcels of City land have been sold for the sum of
$91,266. Many homes are being constructed on this property and here-
after the City will derive taxes from these lands and improvements.

For the last six years under the new Charter the revenues for each
year received for the use of the Civic Auditorium have exceeded the
expenditures. Prior to that time there had been an annual deficit
in the operation of the building.

Department of Public Works.

Available statistics indicate unabated activities with commensurate
progress and achievement by the Department of Public Works, which

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has functioned smoothly and effectively during the year. Major
projects follow:

Final projects under the 1933 Sewer Bond Issue Program are now in
process of execution as follows:

No. 1. Richmond Sewer Tunnel — total estimated cost $444,444.44 —
90 per cent complete. No. 2. Richmond-Sunset Sewage Treatment
Plant— total estimated cost $435,389. Will be completed November, 1938.
No. 3. Richmond Connecting Sewer, between Richmond-Sunset Sewage
Treatment Plant and Forty-first avenue and Fulton street — total esti-
mated cost $28,640. Will be completed June, 1938. With the comple-
tion of these three projects, San Francisco will have taken a long
step in the ultimate objective of totally eliminating pollution from our
beaches.

Under the 1933 High Pressure Bond Issue the program has advanced
during 1937 as reflected, following:

New cisterns constructed at various locations — total cost $80,417.
High pressure extensions completed: Embarcadero, Sec. "C"; Park-
Presidio, Sec. "C"; Potrero District, Sec. "E" and "F"; Clay Street
Hill, Marina District, Mission District and Sunset District, total cost
$223,678.57.

In addition to these new cisterns and high pressure extensions, a
new maintenance yard has been established on City property on Jerrold
avenue, at a cost of $26,442, which will terminate a previously existing
annual rental cost of $12,000 for the maintenance yard site, formerly
at Sixth and Hubbell streets.

Alemany Sewer, Bond Issue of 1929, with P. W. A. Aid: Sections
"E" and "D" completed in 1937, at a cost of $523,033.30; Boulevard
Bond Issue, 1927: Alernany boulevard, Naglee-Lawrence streets, com-
pleted November 15th, 1937, at a cost of $18,969.36. Hospital Bond
Issue, 1929: Psychopathic-Cancer Building, completed April 10, 1937,
at a cost of $771,861. School Construction, 1933 Bond Issue and P. W. A.
The following schools were completed during 1937: Agassiz School,
costing $188,220; Marina Junior High School, Shop Building, costing
$218,636; Sunshine-Buena Vista School, costing $268,985, and Glen Park
School Auditorium, costing $62,590. In addition to these completed
buildings, Architect T. E. Pflueger has been appointed under contract
to prepare preliminary plans for the San Francisco Junior College on
Ocean avenue, which have been approved by the Board of Education.
The architect's final plans for the Science Building have also been
approved, and bids for the foundation of the first unit will be received
on January 12, 1938.

First Quarter-Cent Gas Tax: Nineteenth avenue, Sloat boulevard to
Taraval street, contract awarded and work under way, cost $110,316.90;
land being purchased from Taraval street to Lincoln way. Contracts
will be awarded in 1938; Park-Presidio boulevard from Fulton to Pre-
sidio, Thirteenth-Fourteenth avenues. Contract will be awarded in
1938; boulevard constructed, connecting Sloat boulevard with Sky-
line boulevard, cost $225,621.02.

Second Quarter-Cent Gas Tax: Laguna Honda boulevard from Law-
ton to Plaza, contract awarded, cost $55,691.30; Valencia street from
Market to Mission, work being performed by W. P. A. and City and
County purchasing materials, etc., at a cost of $50,000; Geneva avenue,
W. P. A. labor. City contributing, $50,000.

County Road Funds — One-Cent Gas Tax: Third street widening,
from Bayshore boulevard to Burke avenue, W. P. A. labor, City and
County contributing $60,000 for materials, etc.; Seventeenth street
from Market street to Harrison, widening, W. P. A. labor, City con-
tributing $24,000 for materials, etc.; Golden Gate avenue widening
from Van Ness avenue to Masonic avenue, W. P. A. labor, City con-
tributing $8,000.

Traffic striping of boulevards and major streets has advanced
throughout the City, and schedules as adopted will be consummated
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during the remainder of the fiscal year within limitations of appropri-
ations made for this purpose.

Health Bond Issue, 1937: Favorable action by the voters of San
Francisco at the November election will provide $1,600,000 for addi-
tions to Laguna Honda Home and certain improvements and altera-
tions at the San Francisco Hospital and Hassler Health Farm, which
work will be under way early in 1938. Architects Riedy and Meyer
have been appointed under contract to prepare necessary plans and
specifications.

All bureaus of the Department are performing their respective func-
tions with required efficiency, and the various operations of each
bureau under budget appropriations are being creditably discharged.
With the exception of track areas of the Market Street Railway Com-
pany, our streets throughout the City are in excellent condition.
Nevertheless, many of our sewers and sub-drainage structures are
troublesome and the maintenance costly, due to their many years of-
service and consequential deterioration. The financial necessities of
the Department, in this respect, will be reflected in our 1938-1939
budget requests.

The Parker avenue slide area is still existent, without any outward
visible progress toward proper repair and restoration. However, dur-
ing 1937, boring and test hole operations have been carried on under
direction of the City Engineer, and all necessary factual data have been
acquired by geologists, permitting procedure on the legal aspects in-
volved for final clearance and ultimate execution of the field work at
the site.

Department of Public Health.

General health conditions on the basis of impressions gained from
available vital statistics were slightly better for 1937 than for 1936.
No very great change is apparent in the death rate, the crude rate for
1937 being 13.7 as compared with 13.01 for 1936. A greater and more
significant rise is indicated in the birth rate (10.5 for 1936 — 11.7 for
1937). Infant mortality shows a marked decrease, with no change in
the relative rank of those causes of death taking greatest toll in this
under-one-year group. The rate for 1937, as indicated at the present
time, will be about 32 per 1000 live births. Last year this rate was 42.
A definite decline in the number of cancer deaths is noted, while deaths
from heart disease reach a new high level. Early in the year 1937
the city experienced a mild epidemic of influenza and accompanying
respiratory infections, which fact accounts for the increased totals in
the number of deaths from influenza and lobar pneumonia. It appears,
however, that the death rate from pulmonary tuberculosis will be
slightly lower than that for 1936. The influence of this epidemic is
felt in the increased incidence of reportable diseases, an estimate of
23,000 cases for this year, 2681 of which were from influenza. Highest
among these was mumps, with 2863 reported cases, and whooping
cough with 1434 cases reported. The occurrence of four deaths from
this disease again emphasizes the dangers of whooping cough during
the early years of life. Infantile paralysis showed a sudden rise this
summer but subsided quickly, ending with but 21 cases for the year.
This was truly gratifying, as the East and Middle West witnessed
greater incidence. Recently a late model of the Drinker Respirator, or
"iron lung," for the treatment of infantile paralysis has been acquired.
This machine has many new features for the comfort and safety of
the patient as well as ease of handling. Pneumonia continues on the
same level as last year, and the Director has recently formed a Pneu-
monia Committee which will undertake special studies in an effort to
reduce not only the mortality from this disease but the morbidity also.

Publicity given to the study and analysis of venereal diseases has
emphasized the importance of reporting such cases, with the result

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that 1937 will show a definite increase in both case reports and the
number of deaths where syphilis is a contributing factor. A Wasser-
mann survey was instituted several months ago. This permits any per-
son to obtain a blood test at any Emergency Hospital one day weekly.
To date 2700 persons have had tests. They have shown 6.5 per cent
positive. Of these latter about 50 per cent had no history or knowl-
edge of the infection. Many papers and talks have been furnished
during the year in cooperation with the National Publicity Campaign.
In addition, the services of three public health nurses have been made
available through Social Security funds and the State Department of
Public Health for epidemiological follow-up public health work in the
venereal disease campaign.

The campaign against tuberculosis has received new impetus since
the opening of the new quarters for the Chest Clinic in the San Fran-
cisco Hospital. This consists of a spacious, well-lighted area, and the
fact that it is an attractive center has already increased the attendance
until now it is double that of five years ago.

Child health activities, including public health nursing, were fur-
ther expanded this last year with the addition of four public health
nurses and two dental hygienists. In the schools 42,500 children were
examined by physicians, and 3000 vaccinations and 3000 diphtheria
immunizations given. Eight thousand tuberculin tests were made.
School nurses made 56,000 home visits. There was a total of 1003 well
baby conferences held during the year, with 1800 vaccinations and
2000 diphtheria immunizations. Over 3000 children were seen for the
first time at the conferences and a total of 33,922 examinations were
made. It is estimated that almost 15,000 defects discovered in school
children were corrected during the year.

In the technical sections of the department the routine inspection of
restaurants and markets revealed a satisfactory condition of affairs
with the exception of the poultry business, and it is very apparent that
this industry is inadequately supervised. Inquiries revealed that the
poultry industry, not only locally but throughout the United States,
lacks proper supervision because the control is handled in connection
with the meat inspection laws. An ordinance formulated for the pur-
pose of correcting conditions would go a long way towards insuring
people of San Francisco sound, wholesome poultry supply.

The amount of milk shipped into San Francisco has not increased
and is still 99 per cent Grade A Pasteurized, the balance being Certi-
fied. Notwithstanding the educational work on the advantages of
milk in an adequate diet, the consumption does not increase. The
department is now paying for the milk for needy children in the
schools formerly supplied from other funds.

In the chemical laboratories over 11,000 samples of milk and cream
were examined and in addition a new test to determine whether the
milk has been properly pasteurized or not was evolved. In addition
to many specimens from salvage dealers, miscellaneous preparations
such as cosmetics and canned goods were examined. Bacteriological
work in addition to the milk examinations and routine examination of
cultures contributed to the investigation of material suspected of
causing food poisoning.

The Housing Division continued its Clean-up Campaign and suc-
ceeded in having 125 insanitary structures demolished. The Director
of Public Health is actively engaged in promoting a low-cost housing
project in conjunction with other agencies of the City. In addition,
over 12,000 inspections were made and 358 plans for new buildings
and alterations of existing buildings were reviewed. Surveys are con-
stantly being carried on, especially in new districts, to prevent the
erection of "refugee" type of shacks, buildings without foundations,
rat-proofing or sewer connections. Kindergartens, nursery schools, con-
valescent and nursing homes have also been routinely inspected to
maintain local requirements.

( 39 )

In the institutional section of the department the San Francisco Hos-
pital took care of 14,000 patients and the Laguna Honda Home, 1880.
Complete social histories were taken on 16,847 prospective patients
and plans for patients from the hospital to homes or other disposition
made for 15,227 patients. The population is divided about equally
between hospital and ambulatory groups and the demand for hospital
beds is constantly increasing. In fact, there is a waiting list owing
to the lack of beds for the care of these cases. Again, the National
Security Act has a marked effect upon the employment in the insti-
tution. Formerly the able-bodied aged inmates were used in various
occupations. Today this group, on reaching the age of 65, goes out on
pension. Others do not come in to take their places, and we are forced
to increase the number of employees constantly to meet this deficiency,
thus necessarily increasing the cost of maintenance of the institution.
As the years pass this will become more and more apparent. About
25 per cent of the new arrivals are aged pensioners who come in as
hospital cases to end their days. It is also noticeable that these aged
people who leave here to go out on pension return after a short period
as bed cases, this due to lack of supervision of diet and other care.

To meet the hospital program for aged chronics imposed by changing
conditions outlined above, the people of this City have just voted the
sum of $1,000,000. This will give an additional building of some 400
beds, will remodel one of the existing buildings of 400 beds for hospital
purposes and will construct all the necessary adjuncts to the hospital,
such as surgery, X-ray, laboratory, pharmacy, etc. Consolidating the
hospital in one location rather than in two, as it now is, will give
modern, up-to-date and sanitary conditions.

An additional bond issue of $400,000 was voted by the community to
enlarge the capacity scope of the work for the tuberculous at the
Hassler Health Home, as well as $200,000 for modernization of X-ray
and other equipment at the San Francisco Hospital.

City physicians attended nearly 16,000 people during the year.

The Emergency Hospital, with two new ambulances put in service
during the year, made 30,000 ambulance calls and treated over 60,000
patients in addition to covering all polo and football games with ambu-
lance service. Representatives from eastern cities continue to be
deeply interested in the organization of the Emergency Hospital
Service.

The department maintained its record of the previous year in scien-
tific publications. The Director of Public Health and his associates
prepared scientific articles for publication, outstanding among which
was the Handbook of Public Health Bacteriology, which has created
nationwide comment and approbation. The articles published were:

Two Outbreaks of Food Poisoning; Influenza: The San Francisco
Outbreak of January, February, 1937; Health Department Remedies
for Sick Housing; Enteritis of Unknown Origin; Infant Mortality in
San Francisco; Staphylococci in Raw Oysters; The Use of the Phospha-
taste Test in Detecting Under-pasteurized Milk in San Francisco; Rela-
tion of the Hospital Interne to Preventive Medicine; How Clean Is Your
Home? Tuberculin Test in Children in the San Francisco Schools.

In addition to the above, monthly articles dealing with historical
aspects of the department appeared in the Bulletin of the San Fran-
cisco County Medical Society.

The Department of Public Health took an active part in the prac-
tical training of the School of Health Officers and Sanitarians con-
ducted by the University of California under the Social Security Act.
These men, coming from the western states, received actual instruction
and field work supplementing the theoretical work which they have
received at the University.

The educational side of the Health Department is growing rapidly.
Reaching, as it does, all groups of people, including school children,

( 40)

the opportunities for educating the public are exceptional. An addi-
tional effort will be made in this direction each succeeding year.

Juvenile Probation Department.

In the report of Chief Probation Officer R. R. Miller, it is shown that,
during 1936-1937, a total of 1407 new cases passed through the Juvenile
Court, as against 1289 for the year previous; 3526 children were cared
for during that period as against 3364 the previous year. The Deten-
tion Home during the fiscal year cared for 1663 children.

During 1936-1937, $530,218 was expended for maintenance of minors.
Reimbursements from the State, Federal government, parents, etc.,
amounted to $182,190. The cost of State School commitments was
$17,425.

Public Welfare Commission and Public Welfare
Department.

The Public Welfare Commission and the Department of Public Wel-
fare were created by Charter amendment, voted upon and passed by
the people in March, 1937, and ratified by the California State Legis-
lature in April, 1937. For the first time there is official recognition
of the need for a permanent organization within this governmental
unit for the administration of the several public welfare activities
of the City and County of San Francisco in one coordinated program.

At the present time the Department includes four heretofore sepa-
rately existing units having to do with: (1) relief to the unemploy-
able unemployed; (2) public assistance to the needy aged, blind and
half-orphaned children; (3) certain phases of the Works Progress
Administration, and finally (4) the accounting related to these functions.

While centralization of administration is clearly defined in the
Charter amendment, now Section 61.1 of the Charter, actual and effec-
tive coordination is difficult of immediate accomplishment because the
various units of the Department are housed in ten offices in six dif-
ferent locations at widely scattered points in the city. Many of the
difficulties related to this phase of the Department's activities will
be corrected, in all probability, with the occupancy of a building of
moderate cost soon to be constructed on the site of the old Moulder
School, as a W. P. A. project. The new quarters, which probably
will be ready for occupancy during the late summer of 1938, will
provide space for most of the employees and services of the Depart-
ment, thereby relieving other Departments of the necessity of provid-
ing space for the Public Welfare Department, and at the same time
permitting of the development of the related services of the Depart-
ment into the coordinated and integrated organization that was in-
tended under the Charter amendment.

Several factors have operated to increase the cost of public welfare
administration in San Francisco during these past several months.
Last February and March the relief case load was at the lowest level
it has been for many months. Since that time, and during these
intervening ten months the case load has almost doubled (1700 to
3100). This rather startling condition is a result of certain factors:
(1) the State Relief Administration has made further restrictions
in its rules of eligibility, and (2) the recent "business recession"
has manifested itself in increased numbers of applicants for direct re-
lief for unemployment and, in turn, for the unemployable unemployed.
An added factor, reflected in the total cost of relief, though not affect-
ing the amount paid in direct relief, involves the installation of perma-
nent employees on a civil service basis, in the newly created Depart-
ment, more specifically the County Relief Division. At the present

( 41 )

time 3100 cases are carried on relief at a total monthly cost of ap-
proximately $120,000.

The cost of public assistance to the needy aged, blind and half-
orphan groups, likewise, has increased during recent months because
of the liberalization of State laws in the 1937 session of the California
State Legislature and because of the acceptance of certain additional
responsibilities by the City and County of San Francisco. Under the
present legislation, with less rigid requirements of age, residence
and citizenship, effective September 1, 1937, increased costs were im-
minent. The result has been manifest, not only in the expenditures
for direct maintenance of these specific groups, but also in personnel
and other administrative costs. Public assistance, in San Francisco
at the present time, is being given to approximately 7500 needy aged,
400 needy blind and 500 families in which there are 1300 children who
have lost their natural protectors. The total cost, per month, for
these three groups, combined, approximates $295,000.

During 1937-1938 the coordination of various Works Progress Ad-
ministration projects in which the City and County of San Francisco
made a sponsor's contribution, was made a responsibility of the Public
Welfare Commission. These W. P. A. work projects in San Francisco
employ approximately 12,000 persons. All labor costs and part of the
non-labor costs are borne by the Federal government and the City and
County of San Francisco bears the remainder of the non-labor costs,
which will approximate $360,000 during the current fiscal year.

It is my belief, and I am certain that it is yours, that the public
welfare of San Francisco is being ably administered by the Public
Welfare Commission. That the problems incident to the administration
of relief, public assistance and public welfare in general are of in-
creasing importance can be denied by no one. These complications
of present-day living probably will remain with us for some time to
come. It is gratifying to me, as the Mayor of San Francisco and as
a citizen, that the people of San Francisco have recognized the im-
portance of public welfare as a governmental responsibility and that
appropriate provision has been made in the Charter for its perma-
nent administration in keeping with modern trends.

Coroner.

Dr. T. B. W. Leland, Coroner of the City and County of San Fran-
cisco, reports a most active period from January 1 to November 1,
1937. His statistics are estimated for November and December, 1937.

Number of cases handled, 2800; inquests held, 2333; jurors sum-
moned and serving, 803; autopsies performed, 1902; pathological ex-
aminations, 1753; toxicological examinations, 2054.

Motor vehicle fatalities show an increase, 96 as against 84 last year.
Of the 96, 72 were pedestrians. Sixty-one of these deaths occurred at
intersections. Sixty-four occurred during the night. Happily, a de-
crease in the number of motor vehicle deaths among children under
fifteen years: five as against eight for '1936. San Francisco's record of
no deaths having occurred to school children going to or coming from
school or in zones patrolled by school-boy traffic officers, is still upheld.

Suicides increased over 1936 by 39, the total having been 210.
Homicides show an increase of eight over last year. Falls continued
to lead, 133 deaths having resulted, as against 161 in 1936.

Juries made 31 recommendations. Money received and deposited
with City and County Treasurer, $1,006; for uncalled for effects of
deceased persons, $123.85.

Since the last report, W. P. A. has completed construction work and
San Francisco now has a most beautiful municipal mortuary, unique
in that it is probably the only one of its kind in the United States.

This mortuary has, as a distinguishing feature, a mural painting by
the distinguished artist, Gottardo Piazzoni. The municipal mortuary

(42)

offers the opportunity for bereaved people, without means to defray
expense of a private funeral, to hold their services here without ex-
pense whatever.

In the case of a practical Catholic, a grave is donated by the Arch-
bishop and the parish priest officiates at the funeral. A further ser-
vice at the grave is held by the priest detailed at the cemetery.

In the case of a Protestant, graves have been generously donated by
the Protestant cemeteries and a minister of the appropriate denomina-
tion offers his services at the funeral. If the deceased is a Protestant,
and denomination is not known, the Salvation Army volunteer their
services and furnish the music with a choir, and so with other deceased
persons, according to their belief. The City provides the casket and
the City undertaker attends to the interment.

Purchasing Department.

A recapitulation of purchasing activities for the year 1937 follows:
A total of 46,965 requisitions for materials, supplies, equipment and
contractual service was received, which made necessary the issuance
of 49,084 purchase orders, involving an expenditure of $5,587,277.83.
This reflects an increase of 5.34 per cent in purchase orders and
12.66 per cent in money orders over the preceding year. A condensed
summary of the number of purchase orders issued and the expendi-
tures are: General and miscellaneous departments, 25,971 orders,
$2,485,028.42; education, 5465 orders, $753,810.74; Health Department,
5375 orders, $842,966.42; Water Department, 3706 orders, $313,311.20;
utilities (exclusive of Water Department), 4519 orders, $580,926.77;
Works Progress Administration, 3196 orders, $517,590.75; unemploy-
ment relief, 852 orders, $93,643.53. Average cost per order, $1.46.
Ratio of purchasing cost to total value of purchases, .012.

Municipal purchases are of a great interest to the industrial and
business community. The city is a large customer and highly rated
as a credit risk. The operations of the city require a great stream
of materials, supplies, equipment and contractual services to carry on
its manifold activities. The purchasing is done under strict Charter
provisions. This rigid regulation provides a clear guide to proper
conduct of the office, reasonable safeguards, and adherence to the
proved reliance upon specifications, competitive bidding and similar
practices. Experience has proven that a competent purchasing depart-
ment is a very effective means of assuring smooth and economical
operation and a source of savings to every department of the city gov-
ernment.

Agricultural Commissioner.

The inspection of all inter and intrastate shipments of plants, bulbs
and seeds falls under the responsibility of this department. During
1937, to December 1st, 1678 shipments of incoming nursery stock, mak-
ing a total of 22,973 packages were inspected, with 18 rejections. Nur-
series inspected, 115; private homes, 16 inspected at request of owners.
Nursery stock and cut flowers shipped interstate and inspected by this
office, 3594 shipments, 4928 packages. Shipments to points outside of
the United States, 277 shipments, 5773 packages.

Retail store inspection: fruits and vegetables, 1919 stores visited,
1296 packages reconditioned, 65 packages remarked and 1494% pack-
ages dumped. Eggs, 176 stores visited, 1637 dozen reconditioned and
173 dozen remarked. Honey, 1185 stores visited, 787 jars remarked.

Wholesale fruit and vegetable market: 1387 inspections, 17,864
packages reconditioned, 11,377 packages remarked and 29,752 packages
dumped.

There were inspected 7128 shipments for export, comprising a total
of 437,594 packages.

(43 )

All city institutions' products were inspected, with only 28 rejec-
tions during the period named.

The revenue taken tor export work amounted to $7,884.07 and for
city institutions, $863.86.

San Francisco-San Mateo Livestock Exposition
Buildings.

The Livestock Exposition building, for which $250,000 was appro-
priated by the city to equal a State appropriation of a like amount in
1934, is progressing satisfactorily. I am informed that Number Oae-a
District Agricultural Association and the San Francisco Bay Exposi-
tion have reached an agreement by which the building under construc-
tion and other permanent buildings to be erected, will be used by the
Bay Exposition during the year 1939 for its livestock, horse show and
other Exposition purposes. This project has received liberal contri7
butions from the Federal government, and when completed by addi-
tional State and national help will undoubtedly be the largest and
best equipped livestock exposition building in America.

The use of these buildings by the Golden Gate International Exposi-
tion will bring to the mainland a large and most necessary part of the
Exposition for 1939. San Francisco has long sought to have such a
plant as this; which, when completed, will continue San Francisco's
proud place, as the center of the livestock industry of the eleven
western states.

The management of this building and the expositions to be held
therein, except during the year 1939, will be in the hands of Number
One-a District Agricultural Association, which is a State institution,
functioning through eight trustees appointed by the Governor who,
in turn, elect a president, secretary and treasurer. The district, which
is one of several similar districts in California, embraces San Fran-
cisco and San Mateo counties. The plant and buildings are located on
the county line between the two counties and thus the people of both
counties have participation in this project. When completed there
will be invested by the State, City and County of San Francisco, San
Mateo County, and the Federal government, approximately three mil-
lion dollars. The plant to be erected will be the largest, best appointed
and most complete plant of its kind in the United States. Not only
is this money well invested from the standpoint of assisting the
livestock industry, which is the second in importance in California,
but the erection of this plant during the depression gave much needed
employment to qualified labor and relief workers. Both W. P. A. and
P. W. A. have participated in its building. Not only will the wealth
of the community be augmented, by this splendid development, but it
will afford an opportunity for the youth of both counties to become
better acquainted with the livestock industry and serve to bring the
peoples of the great hinterland of San Francisco into closer contact
with the people of the city, with consequent financial and social bene-
fits to both.

District Attorney.

During the year 1937, this office participated in and conducted
approximately 17,100 court hearings; issued 17,700 citations; con-
ducted 14,000 citation hearings; was represented at all sessions of the
Grand Jury during the year, both regular and special, and collected
and turned into the City Treasurer's office in bail money the total sum
of $625,840.

In addition to the above, this office participated in all Coroner's
inquests wherein suspicion of crime in connection with deaths was
present, attended all meetings of the parole board, all meetings of
the traffic committee on safety matters, met with groups of merchants
and organizations interested in the various phases of the Unfair Prac-

(44)

tices Act and prepared and gave instructions and lectures on the
same to such groups tor the purpose of averting law violations and
court prosecutions.

The total cost of conducting the office for the year was $110,780. I
am informed this is lower than that of any other District Attorney's
office of comparable size in the United States.

Of the cases handled by the office of the District Attorney during
the year 1937, of the 17,100 court hearings, approximately 1200 were
felony cases that reached the Superior Court, and approximately 15,500
were misdemeanor cases disposed of in the Municipal Court; approxi-
mately 250 were crimes involving children, disposed of in the Juvenile
Court.

Of the total number of approximately 17,700 citations issued, 9000
were issued by the Bureau of Domestic Relations of this office, dealing
with failure to provide for minor children, indigent wives and aged
parents and similar domestic cases; 2300 were issued by the Fraud
Bureau of this office, dealing with crimes of frauds, swindles and
violations of the Corporate Securities Act, misleading advertising and
various other rackets; 6000 were issued by the Warrant and Bond
Office dealing with miscellaneous offenses, felony and misdemeanor
alike, and with violations of City ordinances; 400 were issued by the
deputy in charge of the Juvenile Court work relating particularly to
sex offenses and juvenile delinquencies. Hearings on citations were
approximately as follows: Bureau of Domestic Relations, 8700; F'raud
Bureau, 2000; Warrant and Bond Office, 6000; Juvenile Department,
350.

The Warrant and Bond Clerk's Department, aside from the issu-
ance of citations as above noted, prepared 40,000 complaints and 10,500
warrants were issued upon these complaints.

Out of 192 narcotic cases disposed of during the year 1937, 179 were
convictions. These figures pertain to proceedings in the Superior
Court.

City Attorney.

An increased amount of business over the previous year passed
through this department. This increase was reflected, not only in
the number of actions filed against and for the City, but also in the
additional work coming from the several departments. It would serve
no purpose to itemize the various matters in litigation, save than to
say that most of the cases prosecuted for the City were proceedings
in eminent domain instituted to acquire land for public purposes.

There were no new actions filed affecting our water rights on the
Tuolumne River. All of the actions heretofore commenced are still
pending, for the reason that the Supreme Court has made no final
disposition of any of them.

The case instituted by Meridian, Ltd., against the City, which was
the first of the riparian cases to be tried, was argued in the Supreme
Court several months ago and is still under submission.

The case of Williams et al. v. City and County of San Francisco,
which also involved riparian rights on the lower stretches of the
Tuolumne River, was tried in the Superior Court of Merced County
early during the year. The decision was in favor of the City. An
appeal was taken to the Appellate Court of the Third Appellate District
and the case will be argued before that court on the 6th day of the
present month.

Hetch Hetchy Power Litigation.

In May of the present year the United States of America brought
an action in the United States District Court to enjoin the City from
continuing the distribution of its hydro-electric power through the
agency of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. This action was tried
during the month of November. On behalf of the City I have filed a

(45 )

200-page brief setting forth the City's contention in the matter. The
case has been continued until February 2 for argument.

One-Man Car Case.

The appeal in this case has been perfected and the record has been
filed with the United States Circuit Court of Appeals. In all proba-
bility, the case will be disposed of during the months of March or
April.

Street Railway Cases.

There has been the usual number of actions arising out of claims
for damages in the operation of the Municipal Railway. These cases
are all carefully defended, as will be shown from the reports submit-
ted by the Public Utilities Commission setting forth the amount of
damages paid on these claims, the amount paid during 1937 being less
than any previous year, notwithstanding the large increase in the
number of passengers carried.

Board of Education Litigation.

The actions affecting the increases in teachers' salaries which have
been pending since 1934 have been partially heard and determined.
Judgments in these cases are now being prepared. While some increases
in salaries were allowed, on the whole the result of the litigation was
in favor of the City.

There were thirty other cases instituted during the year against
the Board of Education, some arising in damages for personal injuries
sustained by pupils and others were instituted by teachers to determine
their status, or to prevent removal or compel reinstatement.

The principal judgment rendered against the City during the year
was in the case of Delva Bellman v. Board of Education for injuries
sustained while participating in athletic exercise. A judgment of $15,-
850 was rendered against the City. This judgment was set aside and
the case is now before the Supreme Court on a petition for rehearing.

Tax Litigation.

During the year an additional action was commenced by the Pacific
Telephone and Telegraph Company to recover taxes paid under protest
on its utility property. The amount involved was approximately $200,-
000. A similar suit was filed in the previous year which is still pend-
ing. Similar actions have been commenced by the Pacific Telephone and
Telegraph Company against all the counties and the principal cities
in the State. The actions against San Francisco will possibly be tried
in February or March of the present year.

The question as to the right of the City to license for revenue is
still pending in the Supreme Court. The lower court has held that
under our present Charter the City can license for regulation only.
The test case has been briefed and is now pending in the Supreme
Court.

During the year 229 actions have been brought against the City.
Many of these have been tried and determined, while others are still
pending. One hundred and three of these cases were for damages aris-
ing out of the operation of the Municipal Railway. The remaining
ones, involving nearly every form of litigation, arose in the other
departments of the City government.

During the year the City instituted 13 suits, 10 of these being in
eminent domain, and three to abate nuisances.

From January 1, 1937, to the end of the year, 74 opinions were writ-
ten and transmitted to the several departments in response to their
requests for legal advice.

All of the work of the office is up to date and is being disposed of
as rapidly as possible and the only cases that are permitted to be
continued from time to time are those wherein the continuance- is to
the advantage of the City.

(46)

Annual Message

— ■— OF M—nMM— ■

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO THE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF THE

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

ig£

January Third
Nineteen Thirty-nine

GOLDEN GATE INTERNATIONAL PYPOSITION

Annual Message

OF

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO THE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF TH E

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Third
Nineteen Thirty-nine

Letter of the Mayor

Office of the Mayor, San Francisco.

January 3, 1939.
To the Honorable
The Board of Supervisors,
San Francisco, California.

Gentlemen:

Conforming with Section 25 of the Charter of the City and County
of San Francisco, again it becomes my duty and pleasure to render to
you an annual report of our municipal affairs, and to comment on out-
standing matters pending and make suggestions for future considera-
tion.

Herein many important problems of City government are touched
upon. Your attention is called to detailed analyses of the various
departments and activities in the annual message accompanying this
letter.

During 1938 our industrial situation has been assisted materially
by the energies of The Golden Gate International Exposition in the
construction of its many buildings for exhibits and concessions and
the preparation of Treasure Island for the opening in February. I have
named a Citizens' Committee to insure complete cooperation of our
people with that great enterprise, especially in making the opening one
of dignity and influence, befitting the importance of the occasion.

I tender hearty thanks and sincere congratulations to that able group
of our fellow citizens who have accepted the responsibility for this
colossal undertaking from the outset. To the State of California and
the Federal Government our united thanks should go for making pos-
sible generous contributions from Federal and State funds to provide
adequate exhibits of our varied resources.

The culmination of this great undertaking, shouldered so intrepidly
by these leaders, already deeply immersed in their own vexing prob-
lems, presents to us an example and an opportunity, unique in the his-
tory of our beloved City. Happily, our people have awakened to it; and,
despite a period fraught with deep international unrest and disquietude,
they are rallying enthusiastically and optimistically. We are deter-
mined to do our part, as one man, so that the possibilities to the Bay
Region, so surely to be achieved by an Exposition of singular beauty,
design and educational value, builded upon a site unexampled in the
history of similar international efforts, may be brilliantly demon-
strated.

In 1914, when plans were fully matured and ready for fulfillment,
the Panama Pacific International Exposition was threatened with dis-
aster by the withdrawal of war-torn foreign powers from its list of
exhibitors. Nothing daunted, the public-spirited executives of that
generation went manfully to the task of bringing harmony out of
threatened chaos and produced an Exposition unchallenged in splendor,
architecture and artistic merit — unequalled by anything theretofore
contrived in the history of such colossal enterprises.

Our leaders and citizens of today are not less eager or capable than
those of 1915. This is the hour in which our determination to stand
together must be crystallized. Now is the time to ignore idle critics,
always willing to undermine the intelligently directed undertakings of
those who are capable of dreaming great dreams and bringing about
their realization.

In a few days the opening of The Golden Gate International Exposi-
tion will present us with a new inspiration — one which if followed with
zeal and patience will show conclusively to the world that San Fran-

(3)

Cisco's people can match the dauntless courage of the men of 1915, with
equal promise of world-wide commendation and appreciation.

Let us turn deaf ears to those who stand uselessly by, damning with
faint praise the sturdy efforts of those who would make San Francisco
a sure magnet of world attraction in 1939.

We are a people who rise to greater heights when threatened with
the direst calamities. We have suffered vicissitudes which have seldom
fallen to the lot of our sister cities. We know the values that lie in an
Exposition, successfully carried out, for we have launched two and
both are in the list of acknowledged successes. This spirit will not
down! Every one of us will put his shoulder to the wheel for Treasure
Island and the success of its dazzling jewels of art, education and in-
dustrial progress.

In the group of gems of architectural genius here gathered, that which
represents San Francisco will stand out in the memories of all who
will visit it. We have assured ourselves of the best in design, modern
accommodation and general good taste, in setting forth this charming
contribution of the people of San Francisco and to the millions who will
visit Treasure Island, and it will be ready, in every detail, on February
18th, the opening day.

Looking onward, San Francisco's industrial situation shows a ten-
dency to make forward strides on the pathway toward prosperity. Our
City operates on a cash basis and we have, for the sixth successive
year, a balanced budget. We can still proudly say that, without impair-
ment of governmental efficiency, we have the lowest tax rate of any
major city in this great Nation. We still have by far the lowest per-
centage of tax delinquency. Our bonds continue to sell at the lowest
rate in our City's history. Our tax anticipation notes were marketed
during 1938 at an interest rate as low as of 35/100 of one per cent.

I think we can safely say, as we look back on a year of some diffi-
culty, that we have weathered it well.

Relief.

While at all times we have striven to conserve the money of the tax-
payer, not one of our fellow citizens has at any time been denied the
necessities of life. San Francisco is a humane City. Our citizens are
second to those of no other metropolis in seeing and satisfying, most
generously, the need of those of us who are, for the time, less privi-
leged and less fortunate, greatly through no fault of their own. The
manful way in which our people have shouldered these excessive bur-
dens makes me proud, indeed, to be intrusted with the authority of
Executive.

The increase for December, 1938, over December, 1937, for indigent
relief, old age and blind aid, and half-orphan aid, averaged eighteen
per cent. This is exclusive of hospitalization and institutional care.

The total number of persons involved in the above-named groups,
plus those on W. P. A. and S. R. A., were 55,464 as of December 1, 1938.

The marked increase in the aged aid group — 7030 persons in Novem-
ber, 1937, to 9196 in November, 1938, is noted particularly. I consider
it a sacred duty to answer these demands, to the utmost of our ability.

Transportation.

I can only reiterate what has been said in previous messages. Your
Honorable Board authorized me to appoint a Citizens' Committee. This
Committee recommended a Traffic Commission to devise means of
quickening and governing the flow and safety of our increasing vehic-
ular traffic. This proposition failed to receive a favorable vote of the
people.

(4)

This is not only the most important but the most pressing issue
before us. The impetus in traffic, to be brought about by the opening
of the Exposition, demands a solution at the earliest moment possible.
I am constantly in touch with heads of departments who have the
responsibility of this grave and vexing problem; also with the Execu-
tive Committee of the Citizens' Transportation Committee, and at a
very early date I hope to be able to recommend to your Honorable
Board a definite plan of procedure which will tend to solve this problem.

Many well-meaning citizens, as well as some of our public officials,
are constantly advancing proposals by which they hope to better traf-
fic conditions. Shoals of communications have reached the Mayor's
office, offering solutions.

I pledge my most earnest and unflagging cooperation with these
united forces, to find a sound, constructive, business-like remedy for
existing conditions, to the end that our people and our visitors may
find here traffic facilities and regulations on a par with those of the
most advanced municipalities.

Our Municipal Railway has rendered a signal service to the City.
I heartily recommend its extension, as rapidly as funds are available.

Bridge Tolls.

I call attention to my previous messages pertaining to this subject;
which in importance goes hand in hand with the proper handling of
our traffic. We all hope that, soon, it will be possible to eliminate toll
charges at the gateways to our City, via the San Francisco-Oakland
Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. These are highways, no less
than those which proceed over terra firma, through tunnels and across
rivers, creeks, and eroded country, short cuts which involve millions
in expense, often to save a trifling mileage.

Our gigantic bridges form the most economical improvement in our
State Highway System that has been achieved in its long history. In
their time and labor saving phases they cannot fail to be of advantage
to every taxpayer in California. All of us can see that, with bridge
tolls removed, the utmost facilities of these monumental spans will
often be taxed to care for the flow which will clamor for admission to
and through San Francisco.

Police and Firemen.

Promotion from the ranks in these most vitally protective depart-
ments is necessarily slow. The number of officers in the higher ranks
must be comparatively small and the turn-over low.

In New York City, policemen in the lower ranks are graded accord-
ing to length and quality of service, and limited increases in salaries,
at stated intervals, take the place of raises in rank. Thus, the tried
officer does not have to remain on the same pay as that accorded the
"rookie." I am sure that the fairness of this method of recognition
cannot fail to result in a finer morale and greater loyalty and zeal on
the part of men thus considered ; and I recommend that due and prompt
consideration be given to the submission of a Charter Amendment pro-
viding that similar recognition be made of the faithful police and fire-
men of San Francisco, who so ably and courageously uphold our pres-
tige as the safest City in America.

Radio Broadcasts.

In expressing the appreciation of our people for the free use of all
local radio stations, whenever issues of importance to the public have

(5)

arisen, I would especially mention the generosity of N. B. C, which
has carried out the sending from the Mayor's office of over four hun-
dred broadcasts, given by our department heads, weekly, since 1932.
These talks have demonstrated their value, as countless inquiries
have shown.

Our "Christmas Sing," broadcast every Christmas Eve from Expo-
sition Auditorium, has found listeners in all parts of the world. This
program is nationally popular. The generous use of their talents, per-
mitted by local singers and musicians, gives us an annual Christmas
offering of such quality as to give it first rank among such seasonal
programs the world over.

Housing.

The Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco
has applied for a loan on two definite sites, one at Holly Park and
the other in the Potrero. Applications have been approved by President
Roosevelt, and contracts for loan, under the United States Housing
Authority, are now pending.

Development proposed under these two projects will cost $2,202,839.
Actual construction should begin by the first of June. Under considera-
tion are other localities for projects. San Francisco's commission has
formulated a program to utilize, as soon as possible, under sound pro-
cedure, the earmarked fund of $15,000,000 set aside for this City by
the United States Housing Authority.

Harbor Control.

The destiny of San Francisco is inseparably linked with its peerless
harbor. Upon the development of our waterfront depends the future
greatness and prosperity of this City.

San Francisco has fought for home rule for its waterfront; but so
far without success. We must redouble our efforts to regain control of
these facilities. If it is good business for the State of California to
manage San Francisco's harbor, then it is good business for the State
to manage all harbors within its jurisdiction. Until the State does
take such control, San Francisco must continue to ask for the same
consideration which is given to the other cities of California.

Power Distribution.

I have always favored municipal distribution of our hydro-electric
power and I recommend that Plan 8, approved by Secretary of the
Interior Harold L. Ickes, which was submitted to your Honorable
Board by the Public Utilities Commission on September 7, 1938, be
submitted to the people for their approval at a special election, at the
earliest possible time.

Financing Public Improvements.

Experience has shown us that it is extremely difficult to finance
necessary public improvements, which can only be financed by bond
issues which can only be passed by two-thirds vote. Many proposed
issues have been voted down, because their benefits would seem to
accrue to a limited section of the city. It is therefore the duty of the
legislative, as well as the executive branch of our government to find
means to carry out such improvements.

Our Controller has suggested a plan whereby an amount would be
set up each year which would eventually take care of needed capital

(6)

expenditures. New York City has a plan which enables its Board of
Estimates to appropriate monies for the same purpose. I am a strong
advocate for the pay-as-you-go plan. But whether we approve the
recommendation of our Controller or favor the New York plan, State
legislation, and possibly a Constitutional Amendment, would have to
be enacted to enable us to adopt either of the suggestions. However,
I take this opportunity of suggesting that if San Francisco is to con-
tinue as one of the outstanding cities of the world, this matter should
receive the prompt attention of your Honorable Board, to the end that
we may keep apace of needed public improvements.

I extend to your Honorable Board hearty thanks for consideration
and support given on many occasions and to my fellow officials, gen-
erally, who have exerted their energies so consistently and intelligently
for the betterment of our municipality.

If we, as public officials, continue to recognize and fulfill our duties
and responsibilities, San Francisco is sure to achieve her destiny in
the vanguard of world cities.

Respectfully,

ANGELO J. ROSSI,

Mayor.

(7)

Mayor's Annual Message

Office of the Mayor, San Francisco.

January 3, 1939.
The Honorable The Board of Supervisors, San Francisco, California.
Gentlemen: My message, as required by the Charter, follows:

Controller.

In conformance with his duty, under the Charter, the Controller has
rendered a formal report to your Honorable Board. In conformance
with the provisions of Section 68 of the Charter, an annual audit was
made, by direction of your Honorable Board, of the Controller's books
of accounts, records and transactions. The report of the certified ac-
countants covering that audit was included in the Annual Report of
the Controller.

In so far as the performance of the duties assigned to the office of
Controller is concerned, the following excerpt taken from the report
of the Controller covers the situation, I believe: "The budget for the
fiscal year 1937-38 was balanced on a cash basis. No statement beyond
that is necessary to emphasize the soundness of the finances of the
City and County of San Francisco."

There are two other matters discussed in the Controller's report
which ultimately become the responsibilities of the legislative as well
as the executive branch of local government. One of those problems
has to do with the increase in personnel of this important division of
local government. The Controller stated in his report: "I did make
provision for needed personnel in my budget request for the current
fiscal year. It is unfortunate that budget limitations made it impos-
sible for this request to be granted. It is, however, my intent to re-
new this request in amplified form in the next budget."

The second recommendation emanating from the Controller reads
as follows: I quote from page 10 of the Controller's Report his re-
marks and recommendations under the general caption of "Bond Is-
sues— Debt Service":

"An extensive survey and study has been made by the Controller's
office with the idea of finding, if possible, a 'way out' of the present
quandary in so far as the financing of essential improvements is con-
cerned in view of the disinclination of the people to continue further
along the 'bond issue road.'

"As a result of these studies and surveys, inquiries and observations,
it is recommended that earnest consideration be given to, and earnest
effort made toward, the formulation of a fiscal policy based on the
following points:

"First — That no further general obligation bond issues be submit-
ted to the voters for their approval.

"Second — That a Charter Amendment be submitted to the voters
Which would authorize the creation of a 'Reserve for Public Improve-
ments Fund;' that the amount to be placed annually in this fund shall
be the difference between the present requirement for both bond in-
terest and redemption and the reduced requirement for such purposes
for each succeeding fiscal year; that expenditures from this fund be
confined exclusively to public improvements and that a prior authori-
zation from the voters be obtained before any such expenditure is made.

"A schedule has been prepared which is attached hereto indicating
conclusively that, under this plan, approximately $85,000,000 could be

(S)

made available during the next twenty years for public improvements
without increasing the 1938-39 charge in the several revenue sources
involved."
This matter is treated in my letter, transmitting this message.

Radio Broadcasts.

Since 1932, there have been sent, from the Mayor's office, nearly four
hundred weekly broadcasts, concerning the administration of the af-
fairs of the departments under the Municipality. These broadcasts,
provided through the generous courtesy of the National Broadcasting
Company, are reaching a constantly increasing audience of interested
citizens, taxpayers and students of municipal government. Many let-
ters are being received, attesting the value of these talks by our City
officials. I am informed that other cities, profiting by San Francisco's
example, are bringing to their people similar information, with credit
all around.

This means of reaching and coaching the public originated in San
Francisco, and I wish, again, to tender the thanks of our people to
Mr. Don Gilman, Vice-President of the National Broadcasting Company,
for his continued cordiality and cooperation, in allowing these broad-
casts to go on, without any cost to the City and County of San Fran-
cisco. These thanks go also to the announcers and staff, who have so
ably and considerately assisted our efforts.

In 1934, the National Broadcasting Company generously allowed a
program of Christmas hymns and carols from San Francisco to be
broadcast throughout the Nation and Canada. That program caused
such a flood of telegrams and letters to come to me that this Christ-
mas Eve Sing has become an annual fixture. This annual courtesy
merits the approbation and sincere thanks of all our people. The San
Francisco Municipal Chorus and local singers of high repute join gen-
erously and enthusiastically in this presentation of the classics of Yule-
tide.

Golden Gate Bridge.

Now in its second year of operation, this great structure continues
to attract thousands of tourists to San Francisco. Normal vehicular
traffic between San Francisco and the North Bay has been more than
doubled because of the time-saving and economical facilities offered by
the Golden Gate Bridge, resulting in a greatly enlarged and more inti-
mately connected Metropolitan Area around the Bay.

It is significant that the saving to the motoring public in lower
tolls now exceeds the total interest and operating expenses of the
Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District, to say nothing of the great
value of time saved by persons crossing the Bay. These factors are far
more than ample to justify the taxpayers' faith in this $35,000,000
structure. In addition, the Golden Gate Bridge will always be a major
attraction to people throughout the world and San Francisco will
continue to enjoy a consequent increase in tourist travel.

A total of 5,399.383 motor vehicles crossed the Golden Gate Bridge
between May 2, 1937, and October 31, 1938, resulting in revenue of
$2,009,705.18. This included 4,886,671 passenger autos, 25,564 autos with
trailers, 10,601 motorcycles and tricars, 165,625 non-revenue govern-
ment vehicles, 49,595 buses and 261,327 trucks. A daily average of
10,353 vehicles used the Bridge during this period. Pedestrians pass-
ing through turnstiles numbered 410,826.

The outlook for the Golden Gate Bridge is very encouraging. The
abandonment of auto ferry service and the improvement of approach
roads, including the Funston Avenue Approach now under construc-
tion, are factors that reflect daily increases in revenue, thereby lessen-

( 9 )

ing any probable necessity for a district tax levy to meet interest and
operating expenses.

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

As in 1937, this year's beginning brings a radical change in trans-
bay transportation methods. On November 12, 1936, the San Fran-
cisco-Oakland Bay Bridge was opened to automobile traffic. "Within a
few days of this writing, electric trains will be running across the Bay
Bridge, outmoding the slower passenger ferries. San Francisco will be
bound even more firmly to Northern California and her neighbors on
the east shore of the Bay.

The past year has witnessed the start and completion of construc-
tion activities which have created these new transportation facilities.
The handsome, moderr> Bridge Rail Terminal, constructed by the State
Department of Publh iVorks, stands finished on Mission street, ex-
tending its great length from Beale almost to Second street. The via-
duct, connecting link between Bridge and Terminal, which encom-
passes almost nine blocks, is finished, as are all units of major con-
struction work on the rail facilities.

Everything is in readiness for Bridge trains and the beginning of a
new era in transportation for San Francisco.

More than 60,u00 persons will pour daily into the City from Key Sys-
tem, Interurban Electric and Sacramento-Northern trains. The latter
will provide the first direct rail connection from the State Capital at
Sacramento into San Francisco, and Northern California counties will
thus be furnished an additional convenient entrance into the metrop-
olis.

Approved and recommended by the Board of Supervisors, the Ter-
minal site will permit 50 per cent of the passengers to walk to their
destinations, thus affording a saving of transportation cost. Bridge
trains will provide an average time saving on the round trip of about
thirty minutes. Every convenience has been considered. The design
of the Terminal will reduce walking to a minimum and prevent con-
gestion. Although the trains will enter the structure at elevation,
the vertical distance between the track floor and the mezzanine or
street car level is less than ten feet, and the distance from the mez-
zanine to the street level is an equal height. A series of stairs and
ramps provide ample ingress and egress to and from trains, while the
structure has as many as fifteen entrances and exits.

It must, however, be noted that the pouring of 60,000 persons daily
into San Francisco city streets within this given area is a problem
to be coped with. In order that the City be in a position to take
advantage of the benefits offered by the new rapid transit facilities
across the Bay, we must find means of eliminating congestion in the
surrounding streets and of providing methods by which these persons
may safely and swiftly be permitted to reach their destinations.

That San Francisco may expect to reap benefits from this new
transit system is certain. By the end of the year, when the Bridge was
twenty-five and one-half months old, the approximate total number
of vehicles crossing the span was 19,000,000, carrying an estimated
42,000,000 persons. Important also, as indicative of San Francisco com-
merce and industry, was the number of freight pounds transported
across the span. As of December 1, 1938, this totaled 1,707,260,076.

Chamber of Commerce reports show continued increase in attendance
of sports events, theaters and night clubs, and attribute it in large
part to the Bridge facilities.

A new highway feeder to the Bridge was constructed during the
year. This is the connection to Treasure Island, over which thou-
sands of motorists will be driving on and after February 18. Although

(10)

the Exposition was not "Open for Business," but was available to the
public only under limited conditions, the total number of vehicles
traveling the span to Treasure Island from October 27, 1937, to Novem-
ber 30, 1938, inclusive, is reported by C. H. Purcell, Chief Engineer
of the Bridge, to number 124,85.8. In November, 1938, alone, there
were 28,001 vehicles visiting the Exposition.

It is clearly indicated that the number of persons wishing to motor
to Treasure Island will be great, and here again we are faced with
a transportation problem which we must solve.

I cannot urge too strongly that we seize every possible advantage
offered by the rapid transit facilities of the Bay Bridge, both highway
and railway. Commercial and industrial benefits are to be reaped,
but we must take care that local transportation conditions do not
nullify the advantages offered.

Federal Projects.

Honorable "W. Arthur Newman, district engineer of Procurement
Division of the Treasury Department, advises of the following Federal
projects in San Francisco:

A new underground two-story storage vault has just been completed
at the New Mint at an expenditure of $200,000; provided with all mod-
ern facilities, elevator and the latest vault protection. Planting of
trees around the approaches of this building, and other improvements,
have been made during the past year, and new flood lighting is now
being installed on the exterior.

Plans are being completed in Washington for a new Appraisers
Stores and Immigration Station, at a cost of $4,250,000, to replace the
present old Appraisers Building. Work on this building should com-
mence during the coming year. In addition to the above, many
laboratories and the National Park Service will be located here.

A block of land has been purchased at Spear and Mission streets for
the new Parcel Post Building, to cost $2,000,000. Surveys have been
made and working drawings are nearing completion in Washington.
Contracts are expected to be awarded for construction early in 1939.

In preparation for the Exposition, exterior painting, etc., is being
done at the Custom House, Old Mint, and new flood lighting on the
Fulton street facade of the Federal Office Building.

Half a million dollars is now being expended for modernization at
the Alcatraz Island Penitentiary.

During the past few months additional improvements have been
made to the recreation facilities at the Marine Hospital, and remodeling
and improvements at the Post Office and Court House building, Sev-
enth and Mission streets.

An appropriation of $300,000 is available for a new Quarantine Sta-
tion at the Presidio. Site has not yet been selected.

Municipal Court.

For the period January 1st to November 15th, 1938, the following
is a concise report of the administration of the Municipal Court of
the City and County of San Francisco:

A total of 18,692 cases were handled, 11,787 having been civil ac-
tions and 6,905 small claims. In the Criminal Department, 101,060
proceedings were filed.

Official and pauper actions filed, and for which no fees were col-
lected:

Civil Department, 253; Small Claims, 2,561.

Receipts, $216,701.75; expenditures, $198,622.99; excess receipts, over
expenditures, $18,078.76.

(11 )

Public Defender.

The work of this office increased during 1938 as the following will
show: Cases handled in all courts 1,360, as against 1,163 in 1937;
appearances in all courts, 3,123, as compared with 2,201 in 1937;
Superior Court cases handled 510, as against 476 in 1937; approximately
43 per cent of all the cases were handled in the Criminal Department
of the Superior Court.

During the past year, in the Municipal Court, 203 persons who were
obviously guilty, on the advice of the Public Defender entered pleas
of guilty in felony charges as compared to 159 during 1937. These
were certified to the Superior Court. These pleas of guilty saved
much time to the courts and resulted in great saving to the City and
County.

The office of Public Defender is conducted by Gerald J. Kenny, two
assistants and one clerk-stenographer. Although not so required by
the Charter, advice is given to indigent persons on civil matters.
During 1938, 3,480, as compared to 3,086 in 1937, received advice or
information.

The office of Public Defender during 1938 was conducted on the same
budget as in the previous year.

Police Department.

The 1937-38 annual report of the San Francisco Police Department
gives a clear picture of its organization and operations, and also bears
out our belief that crime is on the decrease in San Francisco and, if one
were to compare our report with those of other cities of comparable
size, it would be found that San Francisco has a lower ratio of crime
per capita of population than any of those other cities.

Before drawing your attention to certain interesting statistics, may
I again remind you that ours is one of the major seaports of the world
and one of the most cosmopolitan cities; that there is great wealth
here; that San Francisco is a mecca for tourists and famed as a con-
vention center. Also, that when organized crime flourished in other
metropolitan cities, San Francisco remained free of its scourge. And
although a check of the population of San Francisco reveals that our
population has increased approximately 25 per cent during the past
ten years, the numerical strength of our Police Department has not
been increased proportionately but has, on the contrary, actually de-
creased, per capita of population.

Concluding the reorganization of the Police Department, as outlined
and commenced in 1936-37, the North End Police District was con-
solidated with the Ellis-Polk and this new district is now known as the
Northern District. The old North End Station was the fifth Police
Station to be closed in accordance with the recommendations of the
Survey Committee.

To give residents in the Bay View District more police protection
by obviating the necessity of patroling officers losing considerable
time journeying from the Ingleside Police Station to their posts of duty
in the Bay View District, it was considered expedient to reopen the Bay
View Station as a substation of the Ingleside. This was done, with a
sergeant in charge of each watch, and has resulted in more efficient
covering of the district by patroling officers.

As a result of the reorganization of the Department, its salary total
for the fiscal year 1937-38 was $41,880 less than foi the preceding year,
notwithstanding the fact that six new key positions in the Department
and three civilian positions were created in accordance with the reor-
ganization program. It is interesting also to note, that the salary total

(12)

for 1937-38 is $4,717 less than the average salary total for the past ten
fiscal years.

San Francisco still leads other cities in the percentage of recoveries
of stolen automobiles, our records showing that during the past fiscal
year we recovered slightly more than 98.9 per cent of all cars re-
ported to us as stolen. We find, too, that during 1937-38 our average
of auto thefts was 13.98 per cent less than the average of such crimes
for the preceding ten fiscal years. Over the same periods, our report
shows that burglaries decreased by 28.31 per cent and robberies by
32.19 per cent. These are statistics of which any city could well be
proud.

In comparing San Francisco with all California cities and with all
cities throughout the United States, we find from figures compiled in
Washington, D. C, that San Francisco has, per hundred thousand popu-
lation, the lowest minimum during the past five years of the crimes
of murder, rape, robbery and burglary.

Our figures for major crimes in San Francisco, as compared with
cities of a similar size throughout the United States, prove conclu-
sively that San Francisco is one of the best policed cities in the
country. J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investi-
gation, recently called San Francisco "The white spot of the nation"
as far as its low ratio of crime is concerned.

The Bureau of Special Services — one of the six key point units of
the Department created under the Police Reorganization Plan — has
conducted vigorous drives against organized vice such as gambling
and prostitution. In addition to continuous raids, arrests and vigorous
prosecution in cases of illegal gambling within the City and County
during the past fiscal year, 235 slot machines were destroyed.

Two of the details from the Bureau of Special Services which are
unique in police organizations are deserving of commendatory men-
tion. One of these is the detail of plain-clothes officers which con-
stantly patrols parks, playgrounds, neighborhoods of schools, theaters
and other places where may be found the types of persons who prey
on unsuspecting women and children. By repeatedly arresting such
persons as vagrants or degenerates, the police have succeeded in re-
ducing crimes against women and children to a minimum. So marked
is our low rate of such crimes that a number of other metropolitan
cities have organized similar details for this purpose. Ours was the
first city to drive against individuals who might perpetrate crimes
against women and children. We are reaping the rewards of these
efforts.

The other special detail referred to, is the Big Brother Bureau.
This detail functions to prevent crime by preventing the development
of the criminal. Thus, during the past fiscal year the detail advised
and materially assisted 1,857 boys who were delinquent or potentially
delinquent and as such, potential criminals. Again, other police
departments are following our example and we find that in nearly
every city police consider as a major crime preventive measure, the
winning of the confidence and friendship of the city's boys, particu-
larly those who are potential delinquents.

Although San Francisco is so laid out that traffic is a serious prob-
lem, the police, through their efforts and vigilance, have kept the
streets safe for driving and traffic moves as swiftly and smoothly as
conditions will permit. Our School Traffic Patrol, cooperating with
and working under the jurisdiction of the Police Department, has
maintained our proud record that not one child was killed at a school
crossing during the past year.

As a P. W. A. Project, all departmental records for the past ten
years were rearranged and filed in such a manner as to be of easy
access. This project also included the drawing up of forms for crime
reporting, charts, etc.

( 13)

A new Identification Bureau, complete in every detail with chemical
laboratory, fingerprint department, filing department, ballistic depart-
ment, etc., has been constructed on the roof of the Hall of Justice, also
as a W. P. A. project. This new construction group is absolutely fire-
proof and the most modern in the United States. It will have ample
space for filing millions of fingerprints and photographs of criminals,
in addition to the 1,500,000 at present on file.

Every celebration in San Francisco demands heavy police details to
see that the event is not marred by crime or accident. With our
comparatively small personnel, this means that many of our men are
required to work hours over their regular tours of duty and it is not
unusual for many to work two whole watches of eight hours each
without a break. When one considers that such events as after-foot-
ball game parties, Christmas and New Year are celebrated in San
Francisco without a wave of crime accompanying them, one must
appreciate the high calibre of the police who must work both day and
night to achieve such results.

During June, 1938, there were nine national and two international
conventions held in San Francisco, which drew many thousands of
delegates to the city. Most of these were accompanied by members
of their families and in addition, there was the usual summer influx
of tourists. Yet, not one of these thousands was victimized by thieves,
confidence men or other criminals who might be expected to attempt
to operate among such gatherings. The Northern California Hotel
Men's Association adopted a resolution commending the San Francisco
Police Department for its vigilance.

In the past fiscal year also, perhaps the largest gathering of people
ever massed in a small area in San Francisco was policed successfully
by our Department. The occasion was the Chinese Rice Bowl Party,
when thousands of people packed the few blocks which comprise
Chinatown, and traffic for blocks around was congested. There was
not a single crime or accident reported as a result of these conges-
tions. Our officers arrested two known pickpockets, recognized in
the crowds on the streets before they had a chance to attempt to
operate. At the same time, while this celebration was in progress
and homes were left unguarded, police vigilance in the residence dis-
tricts was such that there was no wave of house-breaking.

In line with its policy of anticipating every possible contingency
and preparing to meet it, our Department during the past year has
been working out an elaborate program for policing San Francisco
and Treasure Island during the Exposition. These plans have called
for hours of painstaking study on the part of our personnel of the
photographs, descriptions and modus operandi of criminals from all
over the world who might be drawn here by the Exposition.

I believe it will be found that The San Francisco Police Department
is second to that of no other in the United States.

Fire Department.

The San Francisco Fire Department responded to 7,670 alarms of
fire during the first eleven months of the year, or an average of 23
each day, practically one every hour, day and night, throughout the
year.

Fifteen per cent of these alarms were turned in for causes other
than fires, or were false alarms, which adds up to about 19 actual fires
starting every day in this city. Included therein were 46 second
alarms, 17 third alarms, 3 fourth alarms, and one fifth alarm, and any
one of these presented a serious hazard to the lives and property of
our citizens, and unless promptly checked, might have caused a great
conflagration.

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This is the reason why San Francisco has to maintain a Fire Depart-
ment of sufficient strength to meet all demands, an adequate force of
well-chosen, well-trained, and properly disciplined personnel, combined
with the best of mechanical equipment.

Our Fire Department today is composed of 47 engine companies,
16 hook and ladder truck companies, 12 chemical companies, one rescue
squad, and 2 fire boat companies. These are augmented by special
apparatus, consisting of 4 water towers, 2 searchlight engines, 1 air
compressor, 1 fuel wagon, 1 wrecking truck, 1 coffee wagon, and 3
valve operating trucks.

New apparatus purchased during this year included 2 modern aerial
trucks, equipped with quick-hoisting, 85 ft. extension ladders, especially
designed to meet our local conditions, 2 pumping engines, 1 battery
wagon, 2 water tank apparatus, 2 chief's automobiles, and 10,000 feet
of fire hose.

For the protection of the Golden Gate International Exposition, a
fire department was created on Treasure Island, consisting of 2 bat-
talion chiefs, 2 chief's operators, 4 captains, 10 lieutenants, and 59
firemen, to serve during the duration of the Fair. In addition, one of
the two fireboats of the city will be stationed off Treasure Island,
adding 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 12 firemen to the force, not counting
the 10 men constituting the marine crew of the boat.

The fire apparatus stationed on Treasure Island consists of 1 chief's
automobile, 2 pumping engines, 2 hook and ladder trucks, 2 water wag-
ons, 1 hosewagon with turret nozzle, one hose tender, and 13,000 feet of
fire hose, to which will shortly be added one fire boat and 3,000 feet of
fire hose.

This amount of personnel and equipment must of necessity be main-
tained on Treasure Island, because of the long distance which fife
apparatus from the mainland has to travel in response to alarms of
fire, but regular assignments of city apparatus have been made, the
same as in any high-value district of the city, and, in case of need,
such apparatus will respond without delay.

The San Francisco Fire Department, including the Treasure Island
contingent, is an organization which is forever striving to live up
to the best traditions of the fire service. Well trained, well disciplined,
and equipped with the best of modern fire apparatus, directed by a
Chief Engineer of widely recognized ability, and a staff of officers who
are experienced and competent, we may with confidence entrust the
security of our lives and of our property to their care.

Civil Service Commission.

During the year ending December 1, 1938, the Civil Service Com-
mission completed 99 examinations, 43 of which were promotive and
restricted to civil service employees already ui the service. There
were 24,811 applications filed for these examinations and of this num-
ber 5,545 of the candidates were successful in securing standing on
lists of eligibles.

The Commission certified during the same period for permanent
appointment in accordance with civil service provisions of the Charter
810 persons. Appointments were made to 2,320 temporary positions.

The Commission has rigidly enforced Charter provisions governing
civil service. The responsibilities of the Civil Service Commission in
respect to classifications, pay schedules, appointments, and approval
of payrolls extend into every department of the municipal government.
By reason of this fact, it is inevitable that differences of opinion will
arise between the Commission and the employees and department
heads on occasion. The Commission must have the support of the
various officials and department heads and employees in its effort to

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build a sound aud vital merit system in the municipal government.
We have heard in recent months of unfortunate occurrences in other
civil service jurisdictions in this state and I commend the Civil Ser-
vice Commission of San Francisco and its loyal staff for keeping the
administration of civil service in San Francisco on a high plane of
integrity. Differences of opinion over minor details are of no con-
sequence and of no importance so long as we have an honest and
virile civil service.

Board of Education.

Intense interest of our citizens in education was reflected in the
approval of a $2,800,000 short-term bond issue for public school build-
ings at a special election held on September 27th. The vote in favor
of these bonds was the largest ever given to any public school project
in the history of the City.

The terms of this bond issue are most favorable to the citizens of
San Francisco, in that 45 per cent of the cost of all buildings erected
under its provisions will be furnished by the Federal Government as an
outright gift under the terms of a P. W. A. grant.

While the school building program is largely one of replacement,
the proceeds of the bond issue and other available funds will make
possible the erection of a new senior high school in the Parkside
District, a new junior high school in the outer Mission District, erec-
tion of a science building and two gymnasiums at the San Francisco
Junior College at Balboa Park, a second unit of the new Samuel Gom-
pers Vocational School in the inner Mission District, and the com-
pletion of gymnasium and recreational facilities at the George Wash-
ington High School in the Park-Presidio District.

Buildings to be constructed under the bond issue are:

Permanent Junior College Buildings (Balboa Park), $400,000; Abra-
ham Lincoln Secondary School — 1st Unit (Parkside District), $750,000;
Outer Mission District Secondary School, $900,000; Samuel Gompers
Trades School— 2nd Unit, $190,000; George Washington High School
Auditorium, $250,000; Mission High School Playground, $65,000; Kin-
dergartens—F. S. Key, Visitacion Valley, Glen Park, $85,500; total,
$2,640,500.

In addition, the Board of Education has under way a supplemental
building program totaling $1,793,400, forty-five per cent of which will
be paid by the Federal Government and the balance from funds already
on hand. These projects are:

Junior College Academic Unit, $800,000; George Washington Gym-
nasium and Field, $400,000; Horace Mann Gymnasium and Cafeteria,
$125,000; Marina Junior High Auditorium, $200,000; Portola Junior
High Auditorium, $79,500; Franklin School Addition, $53,200; Francis
Scott Key Auditorium, $60,000; Lawton Auditorium and Kindergarten,
$75,700; total, $1,793,400.

Although total estimated cost of the immediate building program is
in excess of four million four hundred thousand dollars, it should be
noted that an amount in excess of eight millions would be required,
to bring the school building program up to present-day needs as ex-
pressed by the Board of Education, educational experts, parent-
teacher association and community groups.

Jurisdiction of the Unified School District is vested in a Board of
Education composed of seven commissioners nominated by the Mayor
for five-year terms, one or more of which expire annually. It is inter-
esting to note that five of the seven commissioners are now serving
their second term in office and two are in their third term, providing
stability of trusteeship for future years.

The position of commissioner of education has attracted the highest

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type of citizen and the increasing confidence of the people in their
schools is manifested by the large majorities by which the nominees
of the Mayor are confirmed each year.

As Executive for the Board of Education, the Superintendent of
Public Schools has immediate jurisdiction over a junior college, eight
high schools, ten junior high schools, eighty-two day elementary
schools, a new trades school, a day continuation school and five eve-
ning adult education centers, the latter operating each evening during
the school year. Included in the day schools are The Sunshine School
for health and orthopedic cases, Gough School for the deaf, a diag-
nostic school and a school for retarded children.

During the fiscal year 1937-38, the cost of operating this far-flung
system, accommodating 109,773 pupils, taught by 3,072 teachers, was
$9,826,242.30. Of this amount $4,630,817.39 was furnished by the State
of California, almost half of the total cost, derived from the sales tax
and apportioned on the basis of $G0 for each child in the elementary
school and $90 for each child in attendance at the high school or
junior college level. It should be observed here that no state sub-
vention is made for children at the kindergarten level, which is fixed
at the minimum age of 4 years and 9 months, by state law.

San Francisco Public Schools have been undergoing a gradual re-
organization since 1923, from what is known to educators as an 8-4
basis (eight years of elementary school and four years of high school)
to a 6-3-3 program (six elementary grades, three years of junior high
school and three years of high school). The total number of years
in school is the same. The marked difference has been in the estab-
lishment of the junior high school. At present there are 10 junior
high schools accommodating 12,649 pupils from 52 sixth grade elemen-
tary schools. Awaiting the erection of additional junior high schools,
the remaining seventh and eighth grade pupils are accommodated in
19 elementary schools containing seventh and eighth grades, gradu-
ating directly into three senior high schools which operate on a four-
year program. It will thus be seen that the complete transition to
the 6-3-3 program awaits the construction of additional junior high
schools.

The problem of the Public Schools has gradually changed in recent
years from one of educating a selected group of children in academic
subjects to that of training a larger group for well-rounded citizenship,
also. Our educators have recognized new responsibilities under the
compulsory education laws, which set as a minimum that children
must attend school until they attain their eighteenth year or are
previously graduated from a senior high school. The Superintendent
of Schools, and his Board of Deputy Superintendents, are keenly con-
scious of this problem and are constantly striving to attain better
results.

Registration in the San Francisco Public Schools which suffered a
slight decline because of a decreased birth-rate from 1933 to 1936 rose
sharply in the year 1937-38 when 5,489 additional pupils registered,
bringing the total school population to 109,773, according to figures
submitted by the Bureau of Educational Research, the statistical arm
of the school department. Approximately 2,500 of this number were
graduated in December, 1937, thereby lessening the total for the last
six months of that school year. The school population of San Fran-
cisco in many districts is stable but in others shows a marked fluctu-
ation from year to year, thereby presenting a constant problem of
housing. This is met at present in many schools by the erection of
portable wooden bungalows which adjoin the main school building.
At the present time there are 83 such structures in use to meet
emergency conditions brought about by transient residents and change
in population trends. In other districts, the permanent building popu-

( 17 )

lation is accommodated by utilization of other special rooms originally
intended for other purposes, such as the school auditorium or cafeteria,
activities room and library. This problem is a constant one.

It was my pleasure to renominate for membership on the Board of
Education for a five-year term, Honorable Richard E. Doyle. The
splendid vote of confirmation given this nomination by the people was
eminently justified by the outstanding service rendered by Commis-
sioner Doyle since he became a member of the Board of Education in
1932.

Employees' Retirement System.

The Retirement System included 11,939 employees at June 30, 1938.
During the fiscal year ending on that date, 187 members were retired
because of age or disability and 112 active members died. Many of the
positions thus vacated were not filled.

During 1937-38, 127 retired persons died, and on June 30, 1938, there
were 1,802 persons receiving allowances under the Retirement System,
this number including aged and disabled members retired from the sev-
eral departments and also retired firemen and policemen, and their
widows, where retirement allowances were continued to them or death
resulted while in performance of duty.

The administration of the State Compensation Insurance Law, as it
affects all city employees, is centralized under the Retirement Board.
Reports of all injuries among approximately 12,200 employees are made
to the Retirement Office and claims are adjusted and benefits paid in
accordance with the State law and Charter, the City and County act-
ing as self-insurer in relation to all employees.

During the fiscal year 1937-38, 911 compensation cases were handled,
under which either weekly benefits or medical expenses were paid.
Approximately 1,525 additional cases were handled which were not of
sufficient severity to qualify for compensation benefits of any kind.

The investments of the Retirement Fund at June 30, 1938, totaled
$21,635,892, as against $19,643,000 as of June 30, 1937.

Assessor.

The three main problems confronting the Assessor's Office during
1938 were:

1. The production of the annual Assessment Roll, totaling $971,-
901,241.

2. Continued studies in the application of modernized assessment
standards to make San Francisco's Assessor's Office a model of fair
and intelligent treatment to the taxpayers' problems.

3. Carrying on a complete physical inventory of every building in
the City and County, coupled with a similar preliminary survey of all
land.

A new low record was set this year in the number of taxpayers ap-
pearing before the County Board of Equalization to seek reductions.
Only 279 applications were filed while in the past the Board has re-
ceived over 2,500 complaints in one year.

A complete, detailed record of over 45,000 buildings was set up by
the Building Valuation Division this year, and so far, preliminary sur-
vey of 20,000 parcels of land made. When this survey is completed,
San Francisco property owners will have visual evidence of the equi-
table distribution of the tax burden. This knowledge, that each per-
son is bearing only his just share of taxes, will do away with most of
the complaints heard against our local government.

National recognition was given to San Francisco's Assessor's Office
this year when the National Association of Assessing Officials chose

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Assessor Russell L. Wolden as one of the six members of its executive
committee — the first time the West has been so honored.

A comparison of the 1938 and the 1937 assessment rolls follows:

1938 1937 Increase Decrease

Land $322,417,683 $324,542,933 $2,125,250

Improvements 341,878,215 336,291,216 $5,586,999

Tangible Personal

Property 78,005,290 78,692,121 686,831

Solvent Credits .... 121,647,347 132,169,286 10,521,939

$863,948,535 $871,695,556 $5,586,999 $13,334,020
Exemptions ..'.... 6,543,924 6,362,970

$857,404,611 $865,332,586 $ 7,927,975

Total Non-Utility
Property Assessed
by State Board of
Equalization $114,496,630 $125,902,660 $11,405,970

Total $971,901,241 $991,235,246 $19,333,945*

*Decrease on intangible property only.

Tangible property (subject to full rate) shows increase.

Sheriff.

The following activities are indicated in the report of Daniel C.
Murphy, Sheriff of the City and County of San Francisco, for 1938:

County Commissions, fees and mileage, $30,115.78; Cash Receipts un-
der writs of attachment, executions, fee deposits by plaintiffs, and cash
deposits by defendants in lieu of undertakings on release of attach-
ments, etc., $170,385.70; Sales of Personal Property after deduction of
County Commission and fees, $25,165.43; Sales of Real Property, $47,-
925.73; Grand Total, $273,592.64.

Process and Papers Filed and Issued.

A classified list of all process and papers filed and issued for this
same period is as follows:

Bonds (Personal and Surety), 66; Claims of Exemption — Notice of
Preferred Claims — Releases— Third Party Claims, 1,833; Claims and De-
livery and Writs of Replevin, 121; Miscellaneous, 207; Notices, 301;
Orders of Arrest, 102; Orders of Examination, 23; Orders to Show
Cause, 300; Subpoena, 160; Summons (Civil Actions), 2,310; Writs of
Attachment (Personal Property), 7,551; Writs of Attachment (Real
Property), 193; Writs of Execution (Personal Property), 7,255; Writs of
Execution (Real Property), 101; Writs of Possession, 260; Certificates
(Issued), 37; Deeds (Issued), 11; Total, 20,831.

Under and pursuant to such Writs of Attachment and Writs of Execu-
tion, most of the personal property levied upon consists in the form of
garnishments. However, under that type of Writs, including Claim
and Delivery and Writs of Replevin, the following personal property
sales were consummated: Sales, 113; Amount, $25,165.43. The process
under and pursuant to which these so-called evictions are made is
termed "Writ of Possession" and will hereinafter be referred to by that
name and will be enumerated under the classified list of process cap-

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tioned: Writs of Possession received or filed, 266; Possession to Plain-
tiff, 194; Unexecuted, 45; Number of forcible evictions, 27.

County Jail — Numbers I, 2, 3 and 4.

The monthly average population of inmates confined in all San Fran-
cisco County Jails for the fiscal year July 1, 1937, to June 30, 1938,
both dates inclusive, is as follows: Total for 12 months, 8,673.8; Aver-
age per month, 722.8. There were 445 Federal male and 35 Federal
female prisoners received during this period with a daily average of
50. The amount (total) received from the United States Government
for maintenance and subsistence of Federal prisoners for the fiscal year
July 1, 1937, to June 30, 1938, was $15,048. During the calendar year of
1938 there were 829 male patients and 531 female patients transported
from the Detention Hospital to various State institutions. From our
County Jails 147 male and 9 female prisoners were transported to State
penitentiaries and other correctional institutions during this same
period. The transportation of these persons is under the direct super-
vision of the Sheriff and follows the procedure authorized on January
13, 1936, of Ordinance 7.062, Bill 890. All surplus money received from
this source is deposited with the Treasurer of the City and County of
San Francisco by the Sheriff. This new procedure, adopted by the
Sheriff, has resulted in a saving to the City and County of San Fran-
cisco of $6,061.35 during the last year.

Articles sold in County Jail stores for the convenience of prisoners
amounted to $5,191.24, which was deposited with the Treasurer, as pro-
vided by ordinance.

Public Utilities Commission.

San Francisco's municipal utilities added to their record of improve-
ment of service and profitable operation during the past year. I refer
briefly in the following paragraphs to the operations of individual utili-
ties during 1938:

Municipal Railway.

The Municipal Railway at the close of this calendar year had com-
pleted its twenty-sixth year of operation and has continued to furnish
the best service possible to patrons and residents of San Francisco. The
rate of fare has remained unchanged at 5 cents with free transfer
privilege.

Revenues have continued to increase. Operating revenue for the year
1938 amounted to $3,778,716, an increase of $485,074, or approximately
14.7 per cent over the preceding year. This healthy increase in street
car riding for the fifth successive year is gratifying. Partially, this
increase is due to increases in rates of fare granted to the larger of the
two competing privately-owned street car companies operating in San
Francisco.

The increase in patronage of the Municipal Railway during the past
year resulted in serious overcrowding of street cars. Continuing its
policy of placing profits back into the system in the form of increased
service, the Public Utilities Commission added 120 extra car trips
daily to the various Municipal lines in June and added 35 trips more
in the month of August.

The increase in car and bus hours operated over the previous year
was 68,552, or 7.7 per cent. All available street cars owned by the
Municipal Railway are now in operation during peak hours of travel.

After providing for the cost of the additional service operated to
keep pace with the increased travel, increasing the provision in cash
for depreciation to $227,500, and providing $113,362 for accidents for the

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year, a cash surplus of $290,845 is found as against the cash surplus of
$206,282 for the year 1937.

Ordinance No. 4.0521, which provides for sick leaves with pay for
employees, required an expenditure of $38,500 by the Municipal Rail-
way for the past year.

Track, roadway and equipment have been maintained in excellent
condition, the sum of $385,352 having been expended for this purpose.
Fifty-four car bodies and 11 buses and service trucks were overhauled
and painted, 1.70 miles of single track were reconstructed, 111,591
square feet of asphalt paving were renewed and 53,460 square feet of
concrete paving base were replaced.

Capital expenditures and replacements amounted to $266,153, in-
cluding $140,000 for construction of the Bay Bridge Terminal loop. Six
new modern transit type motor coaches were purchased at a cost of
$62,900 to replace obsolete equipment and improve service.

On December 1 the sum of $100,000 in bonds of the railway was re-
tired from earnings, so that there now remains an indebtedness of
only $1,400,000 against the Municipal Railway properties, which are
conservatively valued at $10,000,000.

Over 98,100,000 passengers were carried during the year, an increase
of 13,300,000 passengers over the previous year. This is the largest
number of passengers carried in one year in the history of the Munici-
pal Railway. Street cars and buses traveled a distance of 9,550,000
miles, an increase of 590,000 miles over last year. Cars and buses
operated over 961,800 hours, or 68,500 hours more than the previous
year.

Water Department.

The San Francisco Water Department continues to write an enviable
record of achievement as it further demonstrates the wisdom of the
citizens of San Francisco in acquiring ownership of this utility.

Effective January 1, 1938, new lowered rates were provided for large
commercial and industrial users and for wholesale quantities to out-
side communities. This reduction is the fourth in a series inaugurated
by the Public Utilities Commission and was designed to stimulate the
sale of available surplus water and so increase revenues as to make
possible further general rate reductions. This reduction also places
San Francisco's water rates to large payroll industries on a comparable
basis with those offered by other large cities, thus being a further gen-
eral benefit to the entire City by helping to attract new industries.
Benefits of the several rate reductions made under City ownership now
approximate a saving to consumers of $1,000,000 yearly, with a total
saving well in excess of $3,000,000, as compared to rates under the
previous private ownership.

On May 1, 1938, Redwood City, induced by the lowered rates, doubled
its water purchase to approximately 1 million gallons daily. The City
of Palo Alto has taken 1 1/3 million gallons daily since completion of
the Palo Alto pipe line on August 3, 1938.

The full effect of these and other increases is not apparent in figures
for this year as they have been in effect for only a part of the year.
However, this aggressive policy of promoting sales has, despite the gen-
eral business recession, increased water consumption for the first ten
months of the year to 59^ million gallons daily, which is again an all-
time high and represents a gain of rA million gallons daily over the
preceding year.

Water sales revenue for the first ten months of the year amounted
to $5,713,501 and net profit from operations was $2,566,353 as compared
with $2,790,402 for the same period of the preceding year. The loss of
$224,049 in net profit consists of a loss in revenue of $101,587 and an
increase of $122,462 in expenses. The loss in revenue is due to rate
reductions not yet offset by increased sales and to the general decline

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in business. The increased expenses are mostly due to additional inter-
est payments on the 1933 Water Extension Bonds being charges to
operations.

Maintenance work has been carried on so as to keep the Department's
properties in their usual high state of efficiency.

The construction program under the $12,095,000 1933 Public Works
Administration bond issue was completed during the year. The major
items of this project, giving more reliable and greatly improved ser-
vice to every section of the City, are briefly described as follows:

The installation of 21 miles of 54-inch to 76-inch pipe for a second
Bay Crossing Pipe Line, making possible a total delivery of 114 million
gallons daily of Hetch Hetchy and Calaveras water into the Crystal
Springs Reservoir.

The laying of 18 miles of 60-inch pipe to transport an additional 53
million gallons daily of water from the Peninsula reservoirs into San'
Francisco.

The construction in the City of three concrete lined and covered dis-
tributing reservoirs having a combined capacity of 185 million gallons
and bringing the total storage capacity inside the City from the previous
slightly more than two-day supply up to the present six-day supply.
This storage within the City is of inestimable value in the event of
serious damage to any of the transmission mains leading into the City.

The replacement of some 70 miles of inadequate 1%-inch and 2-inch
mains with 6-inch and 8-inch mains, and the installation of an addi-
tional 55 miles of 6-inch to 60-inch mains in all sections of the City,
thus greatly improving domestic service as well as adding immeasur-
ably to the City's fire protection.

Careful laboratory control is maintained at all times to insure the
high standard of sanitary and potable qualities of our water supply.

The fourth consecutive winter of normal rainfall has made possible
the maintenance of maximum storage in the local Peninsula and Ala-
meda reservoirs. An all-time high of 61 billion gallons of storage in
these local reservoirs was reached at the end of the past run-off season.

A resume of the financial results of the City's operation of the Water
Department from March 3, 1930, to October 31, 1938, shows gross in-
come of $59,664,331 and operating expenses of $35,756,882. The net
income of $23,907,449 was used for:

Contribution to the City's General Fund $8,085,418

Bond Redemption 9,363,594

Additions and Betterments 4,528,198

Contributions to Hetch Hetchy Project 1,815,991

Miscellaneous 114,248

Hetch Hetchy and Utility Construction.

The enlargement of O'Shaughnessy Dam, raising the crest to a height
of 312 feet above streambed and 430 feet above the lowest point of the
foundation, was completed July 1, 1938, and the enlarged dam was
dedicated with appropriate ceremonies October 16. The increased ca-
pacity of 117 billion gallons now provided for in Hetch Hetchy Reser-
voir insures the uninterrupted supply of water for many years, in any
required quantities, to San Francisco and neighboring communities
and makes possible the operation of Moccasin power plant at full ca-
pacity throughout each year, with consequent increase in revenue from
operation.

At Moccasin and at Priest Reservoir, nine new cottages have been
built for employees.

Construction of the Palo Alto pipe line was completed, and the line
placed in service. It serves the City of Palo Alto and Stanford Uni-
versity, and also supplies water to the Army Air Base at Sunnyvale
through a line laid by the Army.

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The $4,300,000 building construction work for the Golden Gate Inter-
national Exposition on Yerba Buena Shoals (Treasure Island) under
P.W.A. regulations, with the City acting as sponsor through the Pub-
lic Utilities Commission, has been completed. The Commission's
Bureau of Engineering supervised this work.

Hetch Hetchy Power.

As pointed out in my message of last year, the U. S. Government
brought suit in the local U. S. District Court to enjoin the City from
delivering Hetch Hetchy power to the Pacific Gas and Electric Com-
pany under the contract of July, 1925. Judge Roche on June 28, 1938,
rendered his decision which was adverse to the City. In it he allowed
the City six months in which to comply with his interpretation of
Section 6 of the Raker Act. The City Attorney has appealed from
Judge Roche's decision and the execution of the decision of the lower
court has been stayed until the appellate court has ruled. September
7, 1938, the Public Utilities Commission submitted to the Board of Su-
pervisors Plan Eight covering the acquisition of the local electric dis-
tribution plant of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and setting
forth the financial results of municipal distribution under this plan.

The enlarged O'Shaughnessy Dam was used to its full capacity in
storing water during the past year. This storage on the Tuolumne
River greatly mitigated the damages from floods in the San Joaquin
Valley several times during the year.

Street and Public Building Lighting.

The widening and improvement of streets has made it necessary to
install many additional street lights of the modern type. Inability to
provide funds for city-owned lamps has necessitated that these new
lights be installed by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company under its
annual street lighting contract. Also, new lights are being installed
on the streets south of Market adjacent to the Bay Bridge Terminal,
thus adequately lighting the pedestrian lanes leading to this important
station.

During the year effective steps were taken toward reducing the cost
of gas and electric supply to many City departments.

Street Railway Transportation.

Failure to secure approval of the Public Utilities Commission plans
for rapid transit caused that body to take the only logical step toward
necessary improvement of local transportation. The Commission sub-
mitted a proposal for the acquisition of the Market Street Railway and
the combination of its property with that of the Municipal Railway in
one system. This was submitted to the voters at the August primary
and was defeated.

The Citizens' Transit and Traffic Commission, which I appointed,
submitted a report which proposed the continuation of this Commit-
tee's activities over a period of between three and four years and its
support with money to be raised by a special tax levy. The Commit-
tee's proposal was submitted on the August ballot and was likewise de-
feated.

Thus within little more than a year three different propositions have
been submitted by the administration for the solution of this most im-
portant civic problem. None of them have received the support of the
citizens. Not accepting defeat, I called together the City officials inter-
ested in traffic and transportation, and have put the problem up to them
with the request that they submit at a very early date, a plan or plans
which will relieve the present intolerable situation and meet the ap-
proval of the voters. They have submitted a number of suggestions

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for immediate relief and recommend the employment of an engineer
to report on the entire problem.

During the year the Market Street Railway, under sanction from the
California Railroad Commission, dropped the previously authorized
2-cent charge for transfers and raised its fare from 5 to 7 cents, or 4
rides for 25 cents. This fare has not provided the financial relief re-
quired by the railway and it has again petitioned the Railroad Com-
mission for additional fare increase. To this request the Commission
has replied by suggesting that the company first seek relief from the
Board of Supervisors through the elimination of jitney competition and
authority to abandon a number of unprofitable lines. If the Board of
Supervisors fails to provide this relief, the Railroad Commission has
indicated its willingness to comply with the company's request for a
larger fare.

Local transportation is now poor and growing worse. Prompt and
far-reaching action must be taken before irreparable damage is done
our City.

Train service over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge will be
commenced shortly. Both the Municipal and Market Street Railways
lacked proper track connections to the Terminal Station. The Market
Street Railway could not provide money for their half of the cost of
building new facilities, necessitating that the Municipal Railway make
the complete installation. The work is now nearing completion and
under contract the Market Street Railway will pay rental and mainte-
nance costs for the tracks which its cars use in serving transbay train
passengers.

San Francisco Airport Department.

Marked progress in the major development program under way at
San Francisco Airport has been made during the past twelve months.
The work was begun a year ago with funds from the $2,850,000 bond
issue endorsed by the voters in November, 1937, and today a 9,200-foot
seawall has been built around a 300-acre tide flat area being reclaimed
for airport use. Actual reclamation work within the seawall enclosure
is now under way, and when completed our airport will have a landing
field area more than twice its present size, fully adequate for handling
the largest transports now under production and those planned for the
future.

On August 23, 1938, the City and County of San Francisco signed a
contract with Pan American Airways which guarantees that our City
will remain the nation's aerial gateway to the Orient. Taking ad-
vantage of the excellent seaplane facilities now provided at Treasure
Island, our City's second airport after the Exposition, Pan American
Airways have established their Pacific Coast base at that site under a
ten-year lease, with renewal option of another ten years. The company
will spend some half million dollars in equipping the base with shops,
ramps and quarters. Thus a dual purpose is served. San Francisco's
Exposition guests from all over the world will have the enviable privi-
lege of watching complete operations of the giant 72-passenger clippers,
and our City's position of major importance in transoceanic and round-
the-world air commerce is definitely assured.

The seaplane harbor being provided at San Francisco Airport will
house an important base of the United States Coast Guard, for which
Congress has already appropriated funds. Work on this seaplane har-
bor is progressing steadily. It will likewise provide facilities for all
classes of seaplane and amphibian operations.

Within the next 30 to 60 days a radio facility of great importance
is to be installed for our airport use. It is a radio range station, which
will permit safe operation of aircraft under very poor weather condi-
tions, and provide much greater regularity of schedule. Negotiations
for the installation of a blind landing beam to work in conjunction

( 24)

with the radio range are also under way. This facility, just being per-
fected, is the last word in safe aircraft operation. It permits landings
and takeoffs under conditions of zero ceiling and visibility.

Other improvements of the past year include lengthening and armor
coating of the field's existing runways, providing additional paved taxi
strips, the building of a new corporation yard for the airport shops
and equipment, and improvement of the field's drainage and lighting
equipment.

A new 35-foot power boat for emergency use has been added to the
airport equipment, replacing a boat of much smaller design. It will
carry some 35 people, and is fitted with complete equipment to cope
with any emergency.

In the direction of air traffic at San Francisco Airport, our field is
now classed as a "Control" Airport by the Civil Aeronautics Author-
ity. Such a classification is given only to major air terminals where
heavy interstate or foreign air commerce demands protection.

The Airport is now directly served by a detail of the United States
Weather Bureau.

Scheduled air transport service to all parts of the country is avail-
able at San Francisco Airport over the routes of two major air lines,
United Air Lines and Transcontinental and Western Air, Inc. Some
20 arrivals and 20 departures are scheduled daily. Traffic figures for
the calendar year 1938 are as follows:

Passengers, arrivals and departures (excluding "through"

passengers) 50,000

Air mail poundage "in" and "out" 1,040,000

Air express poundage "out" 109,500

Transport planes "in" and "out" 12,500

Hangar space at our field is now at a premium. Additional hangars
are included in the development project.

Commercially and privately based planes at the field total 42. Com-
mercial operators include 5 aircraft agencies, 7 flying schools, 10
charter services, 1 skywriter, 4 oil companies, and the leading airplane
sales and service organization of the Pacific Coast.

In September, 1939, the final payment on the San Francisco Air-
port property will be made to the Mills Estate, completing the 10-year
contract for purchase of 1,112 acres of land. Some 556 acres of this
land borders the Airport proper on the west, and is admirably suited
to the development of aircraft industries. In addition to this property,
1,113 acres of submerged land, bordering the Airport on the east, has
been acquired by purchase and condemnation during the past three
years, making a total of 2,225 acres available for airport and indus-
trial use. This, together with the impressive development program
under way on the field, should make San Francisco Airport one of
the aviation centers of the world, supplemented by the Treasure Island
Airport after the close of the Exposition.

Office of the Treasurer.

The Treasurer's Office is conducted under the provisions of the
Federal Reserve Act of 1935 as amended, effective August 23, 1937,
the provisions of the laws of the State of California, the Charter, and
the ordinances and resolutions of the Board of Supervisors. The fol-
lowing is a brief summary of the business of the office for the fiscal
year 1937-1938:

Cash received, $76,223,335.90. Cash disbursed, $78,573,986.22. Total
cash, $154,797,322.12. Interfund and departmental accounts, $100,109,-
438.23. Interest earned, inactive accounts, $53,110.17. Cash on hand
at the close of business June 30, 1938, $21,432,465.27. Tax anticipa-

(25)

tion notes sold, $7,000,000.00. Inheritance tax collected, $1,386,444.25.
Commissions and fees earned for collecting the tax, $14,697.93. The
collection of this tax is a state function and the commissions and
fees earned are deposited to the credit of the General Fund.

The City and County handled fourteen P. W. A. accounts. Accounts
are kept under the supervision and audit of the Federal Government.

The National City Bank of New York is the designated fiscal agency
and paid $2,974,500.00 in bond redemption, and $3,607,800.00 in bond
interest.

The securities of the Retirement System, amounting to $20,001,100.00,
are in the custody of the Treasurer.

The Treasurer's Office handles the funds of the Islais Creek Rec-
lamation District without compensation.

The audit at the close of the fiscal year showed the cash and ac-
counting exactly correct.

Parks.

Once again park-loving San Franciscans are indebted to the Fed-
eral Works Progress Administration for many improvements in the
recreation areas under the jurisdiction of the Park Commission.

The balustrade that heretofore crowned Telegraph Hill has been
removed and a series of concrete bleacher seats installed on the east-
erly and northerly sides of this historic slope, thus enabling visitors
to view the vistas of San Francisco Bay and the progress of the Expo-
sition construction in comfort and with unobstructed vision.

Sutro Gardens, a famous beauty spot of the earlier decades, com-
manding a magnificent view of Seal Rocks and the ocean beach, has
been relandscaped and the statuary refurbished by the W. P. A. dur-
ing last year.

A parking area for approximately two hundred cars has been cre-
ated on the Great Highway, at the foot of Lincoln Way, for the benefit
of those who enjoy watching the breakers and listening to the roar of
the surf.

Work is progressing favorably, under the direction of the W. P. A.,
on the Zoological Gardens at Fleishhacker Playfield, as well as on the
Aquatic Park and Lincoln Park Clubhouses. The latter two should be
open to the public prior to February.

Extensive gardening operations are being undertaken by the W. P. A.
in the Arboretum area in Golden Gate Park, preparatory to the con-
struction of the Arboretum building.

For those who engage in the sport of sailing miniature yachts on
Spreckels Lake, a model-yacht clubhouse has been built by the W. P. A.
and will be in use in time for the opening of the Exposition.

San Franciscans who engage in real yachting and motor-boating
and use the busy Yacht Harbor on the Marina, will now find that the
Harbor has been dredged to a suitable depth to accommodate any
sized yacht now sailing on the Bay of San Francisco.

The intake of the largest outdoor swimming pool in the world, at
Fieishhacker Playfield, which was destroyed during last winter's
storms, has also been repaired and improved, so that the tank may
be emptied and supplied with fresh sea water at any time.

From the above, it may readily be seen that our park system is
keeping pace with the varied recreational requirements of our citizens.

No statement regarding our park system would be complete with-
out an affectionate reference to "Uncle John" McLaren, whose per-
sonality is reflected in his greatest creation, Golden Gate Park. The
Grand Old Man, whom many consider our First Citizen, is still, at
the age of 92, building for the future. Under his incomparable guid-
ance the work of developing McLaren Park is progressing rapidly, and

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future generations of Mission dwellers will think with reverence of
the man who conceived this beautiful recreation spot for the benefit
of their district.

Recreation Department.

During this calendar year, the Recreation Commission operated more
units than during any previous period of its existence. They included
the following: 43 playgrounds, 27 schoolyards, 43 summer school-
yards, 8 school gymnasiums, 2 outdoor swimming pools, 1 camp, and
1 warehouse. Additional areas were placed under supervision, namely:
Cabrillo, Crocker Amazon, and Angelo J. Rossi Playgrounds. The
Chinese and Mission Playgrounds were adequately lighted for night
use, and were well patronized. The beautiful and spacious Glen Park
Community Center building, which contains a well-equipped gym-
nasium and auditorium, was completed and placed in operation for
day and evening use.

Five new sites were under construction, with Fulton and Potrero
Hill Playgrounds nearing completion. Two sites next in line for
development are as follows: one in the Sunset District, and the other
the Corona Heights property. Land for future playground sites is
being purchased in five districts in San Francisco.

Each major activity showed a marked increase in its program scope
and attendance. Two new activities were added to the list of 92
different activities conducted by the Recreation Department. The first
of these was the adult choral group organized last spring for those
who wish to enjoy recreation in this musical form. Sixty are enrolled
in this group and they participate in city-wide programs such as the
Christmas Eve Community Sing broadcast in the Civic Auditorium.
The other new activity is a baseball game for blind people which is
so designed that they may participate in this modified form of our
national game. Blind people eagerly engage in this new activity at
Jackson Playground.

The popularity of Camp Mather, Tuolumne County, was so wide-
spread that to avoid a congested registration period, the Recreation
Commission inaugurated a plan for early registrations. It was neces-
sary to establish a waiting list because of the great number of regis-
trations, and it was conservatively estimated that camp accommodated
less than one-fifth of the people who directly applied for reservations.
The normal twelve-weeks' season was extended two weeks to take care
of the September holiday period.

The National Recreation Association conducted a successful four-
weeks' Recreation Training Institute with an enrollment of 90 recrea-
tion workers. The purpose was to bring new inspiration to, and a
clearer understanding of the objectives of the leisure-time field, and
present a broader conception of recreation in relation to home, church,
school, public and private recreation agencies.

The Recreation Department is planning active participation in the
Golden Gate International Exposition.

The Director-at-large Plan in Recreation Work was extended and
two new director-at-large positions were added. The Recreation De-
partment continued its active interest in the Executive Coordinating
Council whose accomplishments were the following: passage of two
child welfare ordinances by the Board of Supervisors, establishment
of additional district councils comprising a total of 11, representation
on Board of Directors of the Coordinating Councils Incorporated,
completion of surveys and city maps showing constructive community
resources, and closer cooperation between all city departments. The
combined work of all character-building agencies has brought about a
reduction of juvenile delinquency in San Francisco. Among cities of

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its size, San Francisco ranks one of the lowest from the standpoint
of juvenile delinquency.

Total expenditures in the department for the year ending June 30,
1938, amounted to $721,211.13, of which $145,810.41 was spent or en-
cumbered for land.

Board of Permit Appeals.

The Board of Permit Appeals is comparable to the Small Claims
Court inasmuch as appeals can be taken from the various departments
and commissions having granting and revocating power with regard
to permits and licenses without any cost whatever. There are five
members appointed who sit as an Appellate Court with regard to
permits and licenses, although the members of this Board are laymen.
It is their duty when matters are appealed to them to hear both sides
and make their decisions. I am happy to inform you that during the
existence of this Board since the inception of the new Charter, their
decisions were appealed on only four occasions to the Superior Court
and in each instance the Court upheld the decision of this Board.

On numerous occasions, appeals were taken where a permit was
denied, due to a minor infraction of the law, while this Board has
not the power to authorize anyone to violate any laws. In many in-
stances, methods were suggested by which minor changes could be
made so that the appellant would be conforming with our laws and
the permit granted.

During the year just passed, this Board reversed 48 per cent of the
cases appealed to them from other departments and commissions. In
some instances these reversals added a great deal to our tax rolls
where building projects were involved. Matters coming before this
Board are usually decided within one week after the hearing, which
adds a great convenience to the general public.

City Planning Commission.

Activities of the City Planning Commission during the past year
were increased noticeably and an accounting would reveal that the
scope of work performed and the service rendered to the public was
greater than any preceding year since the inception of the Department.
This increased activity might be explained by the fact that new
methods of planning have been inaugurated and applied to the work
of the Department's administration of its various duties.

Modern planning practice cannot be made effective and cannot be
properly administered without first obtaining considerable basic factual
material from which to work. We have been fortunate indeed to
have been able to secure such data through the medium of W. P. A.
projects. It is anticipated that by the end of the ensuing year, all
the various projects now under way will have been completed, and
departments of the municipal government will have available records
and surveys that have long been desired. Among the outstanding are
the City Wide Mapping Project; which, when completed, will consist
of a large scale plot plan of each individual block in the city, showing
thereon the use of the property, type of construction, all surface and
subsurface utilities and other pertinent information; and a Wood
Model of the city at a scale of one inch to 100 feet. A portion of
the Wood Model will be on exhibit at the World's Fair, on Treasure
Island.

The Commission is pleased to report a representative attendance at
the annual meeting of the League of California Municipalities, City
Planning Division, at Santa Barbara from September 5th to 10th, in-

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elusive. Two members of the Commission and the Secretary attended.
The program dealt with planning topics of outstanding interest and
importance and was of great educational value.

The Commission also reports that through its membership with
the American Society of Planning Officials, a nationwide organization,
we are continually in receipt of much valuable material on the newer
and advanced planning methods that are being used and applied
throughout the country.

During the past year, members of the Commission were given the
opportunity to speak over the radio to the citizens of San Francisco
on the general activities and administration of the Department. It
was our endeavor to point out to the taxpayers and citizens through
such addresses, the great importance and responsibility of providing
and carrying out a well-devised plan for the future development of
San Francisco. We suggested and invited the citizenry to become more
acquainted with our problems and stressed the desire to promote
educational programs on city planning.

In the year 1937, the City Planning Commission on its own motion,
as provided by Charter, established building set-back lines on some
200 blocks in the Sunset and Parkside Districts. The official record
entry of these set-back lines has been completed and an entirely new
system installed for maintaining all old, as well as new entries. This
involved the making of over a thousand separate maps. With this
completed, work of establishing set-back lines in other sections of the
City will be started, until the work shall have been completed through-
out the entire City where such would be proper.

Section 24 of the Charter provides that no building permit or license
affected by the Zoning or Set-back Line Ordinance shall be issued
without the prior approval of the City Planning Commission.

At the end of the present year, the office has checked and acted on
slightly over 8,000 building permits, representing a building expendi-
ture in San Francisco of over $23,000,000. Other Departments, col-
laborating in this connection, are the Department of Electricity, De-
partment of Public Health, the License Bureau of the Tax Collector's
Office and the Police and Fire Departments.

Ninety-five applications proposing the reclassification of property
under the Zoning Ordinance were filed this year. This is a further
increase over the corresponding period of last year. In each instance
the particular property under consideration was visited personally by
the Commission.

Sixteen applications proposing the establishment or change of Build-
ing Set-back Lines were considered by the Commission.

Numerous plans of proposed subdivisions and re-subdivisions of un-
developed areas have been studied by the Commission during the past
year. The Charter makes it mandatory that the City Planning Com-
mission shall make recommendations on all subdivisions of land laid
out in building lots in the City and County.

War Memorial Trustees.

Again your attention is called to the War Memorial group as an
outstanding part of San Francisco's Civic Center. The two great
buildings, the War Memorial Opera House and the Veterans' Building,
with the Court of Memory between, are a testimonial to San Fran-
cisco's respect for her living Veterans and reverence for her soldier
dead, yet add to the enjoyment of all her citizens.

Open evenings, the San Francisco Museum of Art, on the fourth
floor of the Veterans' Building, is one of the very few art museums
in the country available for use at most convenient times and in a
most central location. The public has reacted to these conditions and

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daily hundreds view the exhibits and attend the lectures, receiving
pleasure and profit therefrom. Nearly 175,000 people have passed
through the splendidly lighted and equipped galleries within the last
year. The Museum is rapidly becoming the art center of the West.

Xo other city has provided such ample accommodations for its
organizations of Veterans and their auxiliary units as has San Fran-
cisco in its Veterans' Building. Four floors, devoted to offices, meet-
ing rooms, club room, auditorium, etc., serve one hundred and fifty
different organizations. That these facilities are appreciated is proven
by their use by more than three-quarters of a million people during
the year passed. The Veterans' Building is one of the busiest places
in the City. It serves not only Veteran groups in all their activities,
but other large portions of our constituent citizenry as well, and pro-
vides a center for patriotic, recreational and educational activities
which is unexcelled.

The Opera House has continued to maintain its position of pre-
eminence among the music halls of the country. A glamorous opera
season, bringing to San Francisco the world's greatest artists, con-
certs by many of these artists and others, and an incomparable sym-
phony season, have given to San Francisco's music lovers the best of
music in the best of surroundings. Again our neighbor city, Los
Angeles, produced a season of opera using San Francisco's own Opera
Company and the stars appearing in her Opera House.

Not only do the War Memorial buildings, under the administration
of the Board of Trustees, serve directly thousands of our citizens,
but also indirectly many more are served in the advertising value
accruing from the mere presence of the group. Visitors from all over
the world daily inspect the Opera House, view the Brangwyn murals
in the Veterans' Auditorium and the fine quarters provided for our
Veterans, attend the Museum galleries, then leave to spread the word
that truly San Francisco is a city of high cultural aims. The use of
the War Memorial auditoriums for conventions, which has grown
tremendously, adds to the fame of this classic group.

The Board of Trustees of the War Memorial consists of eleven mem-
bers. The President of the Board during 1938 was John Handlin
Threlkeld, and the President-elect is Ralph J. A.. Stern.

Art Commission.

The accomplishments of the Art Commission, arbiters in all matters
pertaining to the esthetic welfare of the municipality, as outlined in
the City Charter, were particularly significant during the last year.

Due to the program of the Federal Art Project, the artistic respon-
sibility of the San Francisco Building on Treasure Island and the
Beautification Campaign for 1939, the services of the Commission have
been in constant demand. All works of art executed by the Federal
Art Project for civic purposes, the painting and sculpture of the San
Francisco Exposition Building and school building program have re-
ceived the studied consideration and constructive criticism of the
Committee of Architecture and the Committee of Painting and Sculp-
ture. Supervision of all works of art by the Commission placed in
parks, squares and public buildings have continued, with splendid
cooperation from the various boards and agencies involved.

Activities of the Art Commission in other fields were also important,
particularly that of music. In these days of international antagonism
and unrest, there is but one peace understandable in all languages and
nations — the peace, glory and inspiration that music alone affords. It
is this City's business and contribution to our citizens to play an im-
portant part in the presentation of good music. The municipal Sym-
phony Concerts with the services of our splendid symphony orchestra,

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Municipal Chorus, the Ballet and Opera, have offered the foremost
musical events at prices within the reach of all — a leadership in which
we are justly proud.

I am sure that the Art Commission during the year of 1939, realizing
their cultural responsibility in connection with the San Francisco
Golden Gate International Exposition, will exceed their previous rec-
ords and bring not only to our own people but to the guests of our
City the finest in Art and Music.

San Francisco Museums.

The continued importance of the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum
and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in the cultural life
of San Francisco is again attested by an attendance at these two
municipal museums of approximately 800,000 for the year 1938.

Among the exhibitions held at the California Palace of the Legion
of Honor during the year, the collection of 77 paintings by Venetian
artists of the 15th through the 18th centuries was of singular impor-
tance. These fine paintings, by many of the most famous artists of
all time, whose work belongs to a distinctive school, were lent through
the courtesy of American collectors in all parts of the country, and
attracted over 49,000 visitors.

Also of great interest was the exhibition of fine European porcelain
from the private collection of Mrs. Alma de Bretteville Spreckels,
donor of the Legion of Honor building and of many of its outstanding
exhibits; the latest of these gifts is a collection of 37 pieces of sculp-
ture by the noted French artist Theodore Riviere.

Other exhibitions included a collection of Old Master drawings, lent
by Sir Robert and Lady Witt; the Art Institute of Chicago's 17th
International Watercolor Exhibition and 48th Annual American Paint-
ing Exhibition; several groups of American paintings, including a
collection by artists west of the Mississippi; one by Maryland painters;
groups of water colors, drawings, abstractions and sculpture by Amer-
ican artists; paintings by John Steuart Curry, William Glackens,
Richard Lahey, Emile Walters, Leon Kroll, Rinaldo Cuneo, and groups
of California artists.

Among other gifts to the California Palace of the Legion of Honor
during the year were two sculptures by Natalie von Wolff, a small
bronze figure entitled "Wirbeltanzer" and a stone bust entitled "Masu-
rischer Bauer", both the gift of Dr. Mary Layman; a glazed terra
cotta head of Governor Hunt of Arizona by Bcniamino Bufano, the
gift of Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Engelhart; a collection of twelve draw-
ings and water colors by Simeon Pelenc presented by Mrs. Simeon
Pelenc; and two globes, one celestial and one terrestrial, by Jodicus
Hondius, dating from about the year 1600 and presented by Mrs. James
L. Flood.

Outstanding at the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum was the ex-
hibition of three centuries of European and American domestic silver-
ware. This large collection of over 600 items, assembled by the
museum mainly from Pacific Coast collectors but partly from Eastern
and European sources, was displayed in a specially designed setting
and attracted large numbers of visitors for a period of several weeks.
The exhibition was representative of the work of many of the most
skillful craftsmen of Europe and America, and displayed the develop-
ment of this art from the 17th to the early 19th century.

Another important exhibition showed examples of fine laces drawn
from work produced over a period of three centuries. Other textile
exhibitions were lent by private collectors and drawn from the
Museum's large collections, illustrating the products of looms in all
parts of the world.

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A number of exhibitions of prints were displayed, including etch-
ings, engravings, dry points, lithographs, aquatints, block prints and
photographs, representative of the work of American, European and
Oriental artists.

Stage designs by Jo Mielziner and Rex Whistler and miniature
theater models from ancient times to the present, the latter from the
Federal Theater Project, were shown as was a remarkable collection
of reproductions of prehistoric rock pictures. Paintings by school
children; art and craft work by adult classes of the San Francisco
evening high schools; work by the Art Section of the Northern Cali-
fornia Junior College Association; posters by the French artist, Cas-
sandre; original drawings from the former humorous weekly, "Puck";
art of the American Indians; Polish peasant paper cuts; and Swedish
applied arts, formed other exhibitions. A large collection of photo-
graphs of the Midwinter Fair of 1894 attracted much attention on
account of its historical interest and in connection with the coming
Golden Gate International Exposition.

Among the acquisitions of the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum
during the year was a fine collection of French and German stained
glass windows dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries, presented
by Mr. William Randolph Hearst; a painting of the Holy Family by
the Flemish artist, Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678), presented by Mr.
William Kress; a Dutch chest, and an oil portrait of Miss Boothby by
Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1793), presented by Miss Carlotta Mabury;
a South German painting entitled "The Death of the Virgin" dating
from the second half of the 15th century and presented by the New-
house Galleries; and a limestone statue of the Madonna and Child of
the French School of Metz dating from about the year 1340.

The educational department has carried on its regular activities for
the past year for both adults and children. Regular lectures and
gallery tours have been held for the public, illustrating current ex-
hibitions and permanent material and special work has been conducted
with study groups, schools, clubs, universities, and other organizations.
Two new and most successful activities are the exhibition room for the
blind and the children's puppet plays and classes at the de Young
Museum. A creative art class for adults has also been held this year.

San Francisco Public Library.

In reviewing the activities of the Library Department for the past
year, it is interesting to find a great increase in the use of its various
facilities. A large part of this increase was caused by persons working
on the numerous literary, historical and other research, and on federal
projects. The resources of all departments of the library are taxed
to the utmost through these projects.

The circulation of books for home reading was approximately
4,000,000, an increase of about 500,000 volumes over the previous year.
No record is kept of the books used for reference and research work
in the various departments of the main library and branches; but, a
careful estimate shows that the combined amount of books used at the
library as well as at home would total around 12,000,000.

During the last fiscal year $94,500 was spent for books. In addition
to supplying all the current books for the main library and twenty-one
branches, the library enriched its main collection with items from
the second-hand book markets of the world. Rare art books, out-of-
print historical works, important sets of English literature and many
other valuable works were secured. These will prove of permanent
value to the collection and of great service to the scholar and research
worker.

A committee, with Mr. Sylvester Andriano as chairman, recom-

( 32)

mended a collection of books in the Italian language, including the
classics, art, history, biography and genera* iferature. These books
have been received and have been catalogued and are now available
to the public.

The rapid growth of the book collection has made it necessary to
rearrange the entire collection in the stacks. Of the seven decks at
present five and one-half are practically filled. It was also necessary
to add two large units to the public card catalog in the Circulation
Department on the second floor for the thousands of card entries for
the new additions to the book collection.

A complete inventory of the main library and branches was taken
and all the desirable missing material replaced.

In accordance with the City's program of cleaning up for the 1939
Exposition, extensive repairs and renovations have been made at the
main library and branches. This included the cleaning and painting
of the various branch buildings, both inside and outside, lacquering
the floors and refinishing all the chairs and tables. At the main
library, the general reading room was repainted and the travertine
marble walls of the main entrance, vestibule and grand stairway were
cleaned. The Piazzoni murals were cleaned and the indirect lighting
system over them replaced.

The official photographs and documents of the Panama Pacific Inter-
national Exposition, which were turned over to the library some time
ago, were made available to the executives of the 1939 Exposition and
they were also of great assistance to the publicity and art departments.
This collection gives a photographic history of the 1915 Exposition
from the ground-breaking to the finished exhibits. The complete col-
lection of all printed matter has also been of much assistance.

The Max Kuhl collection of fine printing and binding has been en-
riched during the year by a number of valuable works presented by
Mr. Albert M. Bender. This collection now ranks among the out-
standing ones in Western America.

Among the many gifts of books and music presented to the library
was an interesting and useful collection of books in Spanish given by
the Pan American Society. This Society has presented the Library
with similar collections during the past few years.

A number of educational and interesting lectures were held in the
assembly room and many seasonal displays in the exhibition room
which attracted a large number of visitors.

The many activities of the children's departments at the main library
and branches have done much to bring a large number of young people
to the library, where they are guided in the proper selection of their
reading material, both for school work and also for recreation.

The West Portal Branch, which was begun in February as a P. W. A.
project, is nearing completion and should be open to the public in
May, 1939. This branch building was well planned and, when com-
pleted, will prove a beautiful and up-to-date addition to the branch
system.

The Bernal District, long without adequate library service, will be
the next to have a branch building. This will also be a P. W. A.
project and will probably be started in January, 1939.

Chief Administrative Officer.

The year 1938 marked several matters of progress in the Department
of Public Health. The 1938 Health Bond Issue, together with P. W. A.
grant in the amount of 45 per cent brought additional moneys for new
hospital construction to $2,283,470.

During the past year new wards were opened in the San Francisco
Hospital and the Laguna Honda Home, caring for 65 indigent cases.

(33)

Work is now in progress at the San Francisco Hospital for moderniz-
ing the X-Ray Department and rebuilding and increasing the facilities
at the Hassler Health Home for chronic tubercular cases. Additional
facilities have been provided for a new Maternity Hospital and also
a new ward for ear, nose and throat cases. The Emergency service
and the extension of the service supplied by city physicians and allied
agencies have made our Health Department one of the outstanding
health departments in the country.

The Department of Public Works has announced the completion of
the Richmond Sunset Sewage Treatment Plant at a total cost of
$986,000. Two sections of the Nineteenth avenue boulevard were
completed during the year and work is now proceeding on the Park
Presidio boulevard from Fulton street to the Presidio, providing a
connecting link to the Golden Gate Bridge Approach. Work has
already started on the school building program and the sum of
$5,445,759 is available for the construction of schools, as set out in
reports included in this message.

With the addition of three new motor-driven flushers and five new
pick-up trucks, the efficiency of the Street Cleaning Department will
be greatly increased.

County Offices have been functioning efficiently under the guidance
of the various department heads, with careful thought given to effect-
ing economies as provided in the program adopted last year. I am
appreciative of the splendid cooperation given by the various depart-
ment heads and employees under the jurisdiction of this office. The
program of efficiency and economy is carried out in our plans for the
ensuing year.

Department of Finance and Records.

This Department embraces the functions and personnel of the offices
of the Tax Collector, Registrar of Voters, County Clerk, Recorder, and
Public Administrator, and is under the supervision of a Director who
is appointed by the Chief Administrative Officer. The expenses of the
Director's office for the calendar year 1938 were $8,018.65.

The five subsidiary divisions clear all their requisitions, purchase
orders, payrolls, etc., through the Director's office, from whence they
are, after approval, forwarded to either the Purchasing Division, or to
the Civil Service Commission as the case demands. All their requests
for either permanent or temporary employments must also be approved
by the Director.

Tax Collector.

The Tax Collector reports that Real Estate and Secured Personal
Property Taxes collected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1938,
amounted to $28,916,302.35; Unsecured Personal Property taxes (exclu-
sive of Delinquent Revenue collections) amounted to $952,314.69.

The Bureau of Delinquent Revenue collected delinquent Unsecured
Personal Property taxes and various delinquent accounts from other
departments totaling $170,321.58 for the fiscal year. This was an in-
crease of $26,899.87 over the fiscal year ending June 30, 1937.

In the Bureau of Licenses, the collections of various license and
inspection fees amounted to $349,526.03.

The total collections for the office were $30,388,464.65.

Registrar of Voters.

The year 1938 showed much activity in the office of the Registrar
of Voters and the work accomplished cannot be expressed in figures

(34)

alone. Two major elections, the August Primary and the November
Gubernatorial, as well as a Special Election kept the regular force
as well as a large temporary staff very busy with the vast amount
of detail necessary as the prelude to conducting any election smoothly
and efficiently and with as little discomfort as possible to the voting
public.

The following figures are of interest:

Primary Special General

August 30th September 27th November 8th

Total registration 319,417 319,096 340,575

Total vote 189,756 151,061 252,597

Registration figures of 340,575 establishes a new all-time high for
San Francisco and shows an increase of 52,797 new registrations dur-
ing the past year. In addition to this large increase, this office also
registered 54,684 electors who had changed their residences; 444 who
reregistered but such registrations were canceled when found already
registered. Also, this office was called upon to change political affilia-
tions of 3,758.

The August Primary found eight political parties participating — a
record in itself, and 564 candidates, an unusually large number,
taxing the limits of the voting machines to such an extent that it
was necessary to provide paper ballots for candidates of some of the
minor parties.

Voting under the Absentee Voter's Law is growing larger and be-
coming more expensive with each succeeding election; the following
figures speak for themselves:

Election
August 30, 1938...
September 27, 1938.
November 8, 1938.

In addition to its regular work, this office issued approximately
10,000 certificates of registration, mostly to mechanics desiring to
establish their residential qualification as well as approximately 2,000
certificates for old age pension purposes. Approximately 12,000 papers,
other than affidavits of registration, were notarized.

Besides the three public elections above referred to, this office con-
ducted the election during April and May for members of the Health
Service Board of the Federation of Municipal Employees, at which
election 6,143 votes were cast.

Nine petitions of State propositions, aggregating 211,825 signatures,
were filed in this office, and after examination, were certified to the
Secretary of State.

Voting machines used at all elections gave general satisfaction and
again demonstrated their efficiency and correctness in recording the
will of the voters. Again, I would urge a central warehouse sufficiently
large to accommodate all the machines, as well as to protect them from
possible miscreants and from unfavorable weather conditions.

The continued increase in registration and upbuilding of our out-
lying residential districts will compel this office to increase the num-
ber of voting precincts during the coming year, and before the 1940
elections I feel that it will be necessary to add to the number of voting
machines now owned by the City and County. At the November elec-
tion all machines except two were used (which were held for emer-
gency purposes). Had we 15 or 20 more they could have been used
in several large precincts where voters were compelled to wait in line
for a considerable time in order to vote.

In addition to all other work in this office it will be necessary to
check the names of the 319,417 registered for the August Primary

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In Office

By Mail

Invalids

Voids

Total

1054

504

459

259

2276

192

87

298

51

628

1519

1068

837

325

3749

and the 340,575 registered for the General Election against the affi-
davits of registration, the rosters of voters and the indexes to the
register used at both such elections and cancel the registrations of
aL those who failed to vote thereat; and having canceled such regis-
trations it will be necessary to advise them of such fact and the need
to again register before being eligible to vote. This tremendous job
is made compulsory on this office by the permanent registration law.

County Clerk.

Rearrangement of the main office of the County Clerk at the City
Hall, installation of flat files, photographic copying and a central
cashier system, have all had a year or more of actual test in operation.
These improvements have met with universal approval and have pro-
vided better and more modern service, resulting in substantial econo-
mies.

Continuance of the W. P. A. project for restoration and repair of
old records, under Mr. Philip Fitzgerald, has brought about an im-
proved condition of these documents, both at the main office, and at
the Juvenile Court, 150 Otis street.

The total of moneys for 1937-38 for fees, criminal fines and forfeitures,
totals $122,456.67, compared to $130,118.46 for the previous year.

Public Administrator.

The report of the operations of the Office of the Public Adminis-
trator, covering the period from January 2nd to November 30th, is
summarized as follows:

Increase
Increase (Decrease)
1931 1938 (Decrease) %

Number of estates wherein
P u b li c Administrator

took possession 320 308 (12) (3.75%)

Number of estates in which
final accounts have been

settled and allowed 229 304 75 24.67%

Administrator's c om mis-
sions collected and paid

into County Treasury. .$29,849.37 $32,019.59 $2,170,221
Attorney's fees collected
and paid into County

Treasury $29,854.38 $32,019.58 $2,165.20

Total commissions and
fees paid into Trea-
sury $59,703.75 $64,039.17 $4,335.42 6.77%

Total cost of operation of

office $36,175.87 $37,441.16 $1,265.29 3.38%

Profit $213,527.88 $26,598.01 $3,070.18 11.54%

Recorder.

For the calendar year 1938 the Recorder reports receipt of record-
ing fees amounting to $124,353.90; paid out for salaries during the
year, $94,617.08; excess, receipts over salaries, $29,736.82.

During the year this department copied, free of charge, for veterans
and their dependents, for the United States and for this State and its
political subdivisions, some 2,868 documents containing 12,170 folios.

The various departments are operating efficiently, and the work is
well in hand.

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Department of Electricity.

This Department manufactured, installed and maintained fire alarm
boxes, police boxes, traffic control devices and street signs.

Radio receiving sets were maintained and repaired in Fire Depart-
ment and Police Department cars and motorcycles, and in 19 Police
Stations and offices. Teletype system, consisting of 14 teletypes, main-
tained for the Police Department.

Installed 20 fire alarm boxes, making a total of 1,548 boxes in ser-
vice. Monthly tests of fire alarm boxes totaled 18,423. Total number
of signals transmitted, 39,007.

In the Inspection Bureau, 20,263 applications were received, 61,736
inspections made, and 21,642 installations approved. Inspection fees
and other revenue received amounted to $94,424.50.

Inspections of overhead line construction totaled 4,718.

There were manufactured in the machine shop 108 traffic signals,
15 fire alarm boxes, 18 police boxes, and 2 combination fire and police
boxes, 2 beacon reflector lights, and 195 street signs.

Automatic Stop and Go traffic signals were installed at 22 new
intersections, making a total of 184 intersections controlled by auto-
matic signals.

Total expenditures amounted to $202,920.00.

Real Estate Department.

About 378 acres of additional land in San Mateo county is being
acquired by the City for the San Francisco Airport, including 40 acres
for a radio beacon site.

Third street, between Burke and Channel streets, is being widened
from 80 feet to 100 feet. To date 28 parcels of land have been pur-
chased for this project. Some of the buildings have already been razed
or relocated to conform with the new street lines.

In addition to a number of month to month leases, the Department
has awarded two 10-year leases and a three-year lease of City-owned
property at a total rental of $81,300.

Following approval of the school bonds, a new school site in the
block at the northeast corner of Seneca and Otsego avenues is being
purchased for the immediate construction of the Outer Mission Junior
High School.

During the year 1938 the Department has purchased 151 parcels of
land for various projects at a cost of $581,877. A total sum of $17,228
has been obtained from the sale of municipally owned real property
and improvements. Approximately $141,000 has been collected as rent-
als plus about $50,000 from the use of the Civic Auditorium.

Sealer of Weights and Measures.

The report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures, covering the
calendar year 1938, shows:

Scales sealed, 21,881; adjusted, 1,509; condemned, 387; confiscated.
65; total, 23,842.

"Weights tested, 23,790; adjusted, 27; condemned, 3; confiscated, 55;
total, 23,875.

Lineal and liquid measures tested, 26,738; adjusted, 252; condemned,
542; confiscated, 259; total, 27,791.

Gasoline pumps inspected, 4,688; adjusted, 59; condemned, 158; con-
fiscated, 1; total, 4,906.

Meters inspected, 4; condemned, 3; confiscated, 1; total, 8.

(37)

Merchandise in packages reweighed, 232,175; condemned, 1,775; total,
233,950.

Complaints received and adjusted, 65; establishments visited, 12,748;
certificates issued, 11,473.

Arrests, 6; convictions, 6; fines, $305.

Department of Public Works.

The following major projects were completed during the calendar
year 1938:

Sewers.

Section "F" of the Alemany Sewer, located on the line of Selby.
Street extended from Evans Avenue to Napoleon Street, was con-
structed at a cost of $50,000 from moneys derived from the 1929 Sewer
Bond Issue.

The Richmond-Sunset Sewage Treatment Plant was completed in
accordance with the initial program, at a cost of $986,600; it is ex-
pected to place it in operation in January, 1939. With the comple-
tion of this first step in the development of the plant, it will be pos-
sible to clarify the sewage and thereby eliminate pollution at the
north shore beaches. As funds become available, it is intended to
add a dehydration plant that will provide satisfactory fertilizer
which can be utilized in Golden Gate Park or in other parks within
the City. It is intended also to make extensions to the plant in order
to produce three million gallons daily of clarified effluent that will be
available for irrigation purposes in Golden Gate Park.

Boulevards and Streets.

The following projects were completed during the year from moneys
derived from the County Road Fund: La Salle Avenue, Mendell Street
to Third Street, property purchase, $13,500; Market Street from Grant
Avenue to Leavenworth, concrete parking lanes constructed, $15,500;
Castro Street Extension, Duboce Avenue to Divisadero; this connects
Divisadero Street on the north to Castro Street on the south, thereby
giving convenient access to traffic from the Western Addition to the
Mission District. The work consisted of grading, drainage, retaining
walls, and pavements, $49,000; Parker Avenue, a contract has been
entered into for the construction of a drainage tunnel and shafts
in Parker Avenue between Anza and Turk Streets. It is hoped mate-
rially to reduce the movement of this sliding area so that grading
and pavements may be constructed at an early date, $40,000.

The following projects are the larger ones completed during the
year under the Street Improvement Ordinance. City aid was derived
from the County Road Fund: Girard Street from Ward to Mansell
Street, $4,000; grading and sewers, total cost $8,000. Taraval Street
from Montalvo to Twelfth Avenue, $13,000; repaved, concrete parking
lanes, new curbs, new street lighting system, total cost $22,000. Golden
Gate Heights, 80 per cent completed, $12,000; curbs, sidesewers, pave-
ment constructed, total cost $25,000. Hunter's Point District, 17
blocks, $14,000; grading and sewers, total cost, $57,600.

W. P. A. Street Work.

Performed with San Francisco sponsorship derived from the County
Road Fund. Amount shown is the City's contribution for materials:
Broadway, Mason to Davis Street, $15,500, widened and concrete park-
ing lanes constructed; Franklin Street, Market Street to Bay Street,
$47,000, widened, resurfaced, concrete parking lanes constructed;

(38)

Castro Street, Twenty-fourth to Twenty-sixth Street, $6,000, widened,
resurfaced, concrete parking lanes constructed; Mississippi Street,
Mariposa to Nineteenth Street, $5,000, resurfaced; Bernal Heights Bou-
levard, graded, $7,000; O'Shaughnessy Boulevard, $7,000, graded and
retaining walls constructed.

Special Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund, Second '/^c Gas Tax.

The following projects were completed during the year with moneys
derived from the second one-quarter cent gas tax, known as the Spe-
cial Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund, and applicable only on major
streets: Laguna Honda Boulevard from Lawton Street to Plaza,
$57,000, concrete curbs, pavements and sewers constructed; Market
Street, Van Ness Avenue to Gough Street, $20,000, widened and re-
surfaced, thus providing concrete parking strips; Golden Gate Avenue,
Market Street to Van Ness Avenue, $32,000, widened and resurfaced,
thus providing concrete parking strips; Polk Street, Market to Grove
Street, $13,000, widened and resurfaced, thus providing concrete park-
ing strips; Third Street, Howard to Channel, $58,000, widened and
resurfaced, thus providing concrete parking strips; Third and Islais
Creek Bridge, $27,000, fender system constructed; Sixth Street Bridge
over Channel Street Waterway, $8,000, north approach reconstructed,
miscellaneous repairs; traffic striping, $15,000; land acquisition, $252,-
000. Property estimated at a total value of $252,000 has been ac-
quired on various major streets, which will be widened eventually,
notably Army Street from Bryant to Harrison Street, and Third Street
from Eighteenth Street to Islais Creek; Bay Street, from The Em-
barcadero to Polk Street, widened and resurfaced. Work performed
by W. P. A. forces and sponsored by the City and County of San
Francisco in amount of $32,000.

State Highway Trust Fund.

Nineteenth Avenue: Two contracts were completed from moneys
derived from the State Highway Trust Fund, which is also known as
the first one-quarter cent gasoline tax, the first contract being from
Taraval Street to Sloat Boulevard, and the second from Lincoln Way
to Lawton Street, the improvement cost of these two sections being
$230,000. Land purchase for the remaining two sections, at an esti-
mated cost of $450,000, is progressing.

Plans and specifications for the next section to be improved, namely,
that between Pacheco and Taraval Streets, will shortly be completed,
and construction will start during the early part of 1939.

Park-Presidio Boulevard from Golden Gate Park to the Presidio: A
contract for this important link of the State Highways within San
Francisco, serving the Golden Gate Bridge, has been awarded at an
approximate cost of $106,000.

Miscellaneous.

Bernal Avenue from Randall Street to Diamond Street, $50,000, re-
paving, stairs, coping, lights and sidewalks.

Hospital Buildings.

There is available in the 1938 Health Bond Issue, together with
P. W. A. grant in the amount of 45 per cent allowed, the sum of
$2,283,470, which will be expended on the following improvements:

Laguna Honda Home: Two new wards known as M and N will be
constructed, and the wards K, L, F and G will be remodeled at an
estimated construction cost of $803,300; new elevators, generators
and pumps will be installed at an estimated construction cost of
$93,000; a new concrete garage building will be constructed at a

(39)

cost of $23,500; alterations to the Infirmary and Service Building
are to be made at a total estimated cost of $138,750; furniture and
equipment are to be purchased at an estimated cost of $82,000.

San Francisco Hospital: Alterations to the present Service Build-
ing are to be made and new X-ray rooms constructed and fur-
nished at an estimated construction cost of $200,000; new concrete
lodges are to be constructed at a cost of $10,000; three gate shelters
are to be constructed at a cost of $18,000; addition to the present
laundry and construction of new garage at a cost of $34,000; ground
improvements adjacent to the Psychopathic Building at an estimated
cost of $38,000.

New elevator and cubicles are to be constructed in the Psychopathic
Building at a cost of $25,000; furniture and equipment for the San
Francisco Hospital are to be purchased at a cost of $112,000.

Hassler Health Farm: A new kitchen and dining room building to
be constructed at a cost of $43,000; ward building to be constructed
at a cost of $100,000; sewage treatment plant to be constructed at a
cost of $34,000; concrete water tank to be constructed at a cost of
$9,500; children's building and doctors' residence to be constructed
at a cost of $100,000; duplex residence for housing internes and
nurses to be constructed at a cost of $15,000; dormitory type cottages,
8 in number, and a service building, to be constructed at a cost of
$120,000; furniture and equipment to be purchased at a cost of $25,000;
under the P. W. A. regulations all of the above work will be under
construction by January 1, 1939.

School Buildings.

There is available for schoolhouse construction work the sum of
$5,445,759, the money being derived from the 1938 School Bond Issue
and the School Fund in the amount of $2,995,168, together with the
grant from the P. W. A. of $2,450,591. This money is to be expended
on the following school projects: 1. San Francisco Junior College,
Science Building, estimated to cost $1,070,000; 2. San Francisco Junior
College, Gymnasium, $380,000; 3, George Washington High, Gymnasium
and Athletic Field, $425,000; 4. George Washington High Auditorium,
$238,000; 5. Mission High Athletic Field, estimated to cost $60,000;

6. Portola Jr. High School Auditorium, estimated to cost $65,000;

7. Visitacion Valley Kindergarten, estimated to cost $23,000; 8. Law-
ton School Kindergarten and Auditorium, estimated to cost $70,500;
9. Glen Park School Kindergarten, estimated to cost $21,000; 10. Sam-
uel Gompers Trade School, second unit, estimated to cost $175,000;
11. Francis Scott Key, Auditorium and Kindergarten, estimated to
cost $90,000; 12. Horace Mann Junior High, Gymnasium and Cafeteria,
estimated to cost $154,000; 13. Marina Junior High School, Auditorium,
estimated to cost $183,000; 14. Abraham Lincoln Secondary High
School, estimated to cost $685,000; 15. Outer Mission High School,
estimated to cost $716,000. In accordance with the P. W. A. regu-
lations each unit mentioned above is to be under way and will be by
January 1, 1939.

Schools, Miscellaneous.

San Francisco Junior College: During the year of 1938 a contract
was completed for the foundation and concrete work for the San
Francisco Junior College at a cost of $32,977. Lawton School: Addi-
tional classrooms were constructed at a cost of $10,491; Lowell High
School: A new Boys' Gymnasium was constructed at a cost of $120,000;
in addition to this new construction there was expended for miscel-
laneous remodeling and alterations, together with painting work on
the various schools, the sum of $72,000; all bureaus of the Departments

(40)

are performing their respective functions with required efficiency and
the various operations of each bureau under budget appropriations are
being creditably discharged.

Street Cleaning.

With the addition of three new motor-driven flushers, together with
the purchase of five new pickup trucks, the department will increase
its efficiency.

Streets.

With the exception of the track areas of the Market Street Rail-
way Company our streets throughout the City are in excellent con-
dition, considering the appropriation allowed annually.

Comparative Statement of Building Operations.

Following is tabulation which shows that, while commercial build-
ing has been less in San Francisco during the calendar year 1938,
residence construction has increased almost 25 per cent:

Jan. 1, 1938 to Dec.

11, 1938, Inclusive Calendar Year 1937

No. of Estimated No. of Estimated

Residential: Permits Cost Permits Cost

One-Family Dwellings 1984 $8,078,240 1517 $6,558,407

Two-Family Dwellings 178 1,361,820 88 619,900

One- and Two-Family

Dwellings with stores.. 7 35,550 7 42,700

Apartments 22 1,033,700 22 754,000

Sub-Total 2191 $10,5.09,310 1634 $ 7,975,007

Commercial:

A 3 $ 195.000 6 $ 525,000

B 13 482,500 18 1,288,475

C 77 1,086,515 99 1,279,501

Sub-Total 93 $1,764,015 123 $3,092,976

Total 2284 $12,273,325 1757 $11,067,983

Department of Public Health.

General health conditions on the basis gained from available statistics
for eleven months were slightly better for 1938 than for 1937. The
death rate shows a significant decrease, the crude rate for 1938 being
12.2 per thousand as compared with 13.7 in 1937. The trend of a rising
birth rate, which has been in evidence since 1935, has continued
through 1938 with the rate of 12.3, the highest in ten years. The re-
markable infant mortality rate of 32, which was an all-time low for
San Francisco in 1937, will be approximated in 1938 and may, if
anything, show a slight improvement over last year.

The total reported cases of communicable diseases for the year is
about 4,100 less than for 1937. This is largely due to a lowered re-
ported incidence of influenza, lobar pneumonia, chickenpox, scarlet
fever, gonorrhea and tuberculosis. Whooping cough and measles show
a definite increase in reported cases.

Venereal disease reported in San Francisco continues to increase.
This is due to new interest stimulated by the nation-wide campaign
at present being waged. The Wassermann Survey, instituted late in

( 41)

1937, has continued throughout 193S. To date approximately 9,000
persons have had this test performed with about seven per cent being
positive. Among the positive reactors about half had no knowledge
of the condition before the examination and they have since been
placed under treatment. Again, as during last year, additional help
has been obtained from the State Department of Public Health by
allotment of Federal funds supplied under the Social Security Act
for venereal disease work. This year a branch clinic is to be estab-
lished which will take care of a large group of persons, who are not
reached by the ordinary diagnostic clinic service.

The Exposition grounds at Treasure Island have called for in-
creased activity of the Department's inspectors. Among the accom-
plishments may be mentioned the approval of the sewage disposal, the
approval of the plans of the water supply lines, and approval of the
installation of the water supply lines at Treasure Island. In addition,
there is a bi-weekly sampling of the drinking water used on the Island.
There has been regular inspection of all plumbing and all buildings
wherein foodstuffs will be handled.

The Department of Public Health inspection service has instituted
a campaign for the control of trichinosis and now enforces the fol-
lowing procedures in combating this disease: 1. On hog ranches:
Eradication of the rat population and proper sanitation of the build-
ings. 2. Abattoirs: Examination of ten diaphragms a month from
each shipment of garbage-fed hogs, examination to be made in labora-
tories approved by the Director of Public Health. This examination
is made to determine whether the hog carcasses are infested with trich-
inae or not. 3. In the manufacture of sausage such as salami, mett-
wurst, etc., customarily eaten raw and containing raw pork, an
Executive Order was issued, requiring that in the manufacture of
such sausage each one hundred pounds of material shall contain at
least three and one-half pounds of salt, then stuffed into casings and
held in a retaining room for 25 days before being distributed and sold
to the general public. 4. In addition, the general public has been
informed that all pork and pork products must be thoroughly cooked
before being served.

Public eating places have been furnished with placards, advising
the thorough cooking of raw pork and pork products, for the guidance
of their cooks. Meat markets have been furnished with the same
placards to post in a conspicuous place in order to acquaint the public
with the fact that raw pork and pork products must be thoroughly
cooked.

In addition to playing host to many of the visiting physicians, the
Department of Public Health conducted two very interesting exhibits
during the convention of the American Medical Association; one, of
the work done by the department in conjunction with the public
schools on special education and classes for the physically handicapped;
another, in the Bureau of Vital Statistics dealt with interesting charts
of birth and death rates, and charts of the incidence of various com-
municable diseases.

Our institutions are to be enlarged and brought up to date. This
is made possible by the bond issue of $1,600,009 voted by the people
last year together with an allocation of 45 per cent from Federal funds
under the Public Works Administration.

In December ground was broken for the new hospital unit at the
Laguna Honda Home. Bids will be received during the month of
January for the erection of three gate houses and garage at the San
Francisco Hospital, the erection of a new ward building at an approx-
imate cost of $94,000 at the Hassler Health Home, and for a new Ser-
vice Building to contain dining room, kitchen, commissary, etc., at

(42)

an approximate cost of $42,000. During January and February bids
will be obtained and contracts awarded for the remodelling of the
Service Building, Pharmacy, Diet Kitchens, and X-Ray Laboratories
of the San Francisco Hospital; and for mechanical equipment of the
Laguna Honda Home, a new garage and the alteration of the Infir-
mary in that institution.

At the Hassler Health Home there will be erected buildings to house
200 chronic tuberculosis cases to be moved from San Francisco Hospi-
tal, as well as a building for convalescent children.

The new maternity unit of the San Francisco Hospital was opened
with accommodations for 230 patients, constituting one of the most
modern hospital divisions devoted to obstetrical service. With this
new division the San Francisco Department of Public Health assumes
a prominent position for this type of work in the nation.

One of the outstanding problems with which the Department has
been connected for the past five years has been sewage disposal plants
and the cleaning up of our beaches of the very unsanitary conditions
existing. This year has brought forth some very fine results. A sewage
disposal plant of fifteen million gallons capacity in Golden Gate Park
is practically completed. Sewage has been diverted from the Northern
shores through means of a pumping station and a gravity tunnel, and
the military authorities are conducting the work of intercepting
sewage from the Presidio Reservation into city mains. Completion
of this work will mean the cleaning up of the beaches from Fleish-
hacker Pool on the south to Pier 37 on the north.

The Department maintained its record established in recent years
in the number of scientific articles published. The Director of Public
Health and his associates prepared numerous articles for publication,
among which was the Second Edition of the Handbook of Accepted
Remedies. The articles published were: The Determination of Sul-
fanilamide in Urine and Blood. The Hospital Problem of Alcoholism.
The "Scoop" as a Source of Bacterial Contamination of Ice Cream.
Soda Fountains and the Public Health. The Scientific Parade to (a
Better) Old Age. Incidence and Control of Trichinelliasis in San
Francisco. Incidence and Type of Heart Disease in San Francisco
School Children. A Program for Cooperation with Public Health
Service in Control of Disease. Food Handler Examinations. Acute
Anterior Poliomyelitis. Human Rabies in California. A Statistical
Survey of 140 Cases of Ophthalmia. Neo-Natal Mortality in San Fran-
cisco. Necropsies in Hospital.

In addition to the above, monthly articles dealing with various
aspects of public health appeared in the Bulletin of the San Fran-
cisco County Medical Society.

For the second year, the Department of Public Health took an
active part in the practical training of the School of Health Officers
and Sanitarians conducted by the University of California under the
Social Security Act. These men, coming from the Western States,
received actual instruction and field work supplementing the theoreti-
cal work which they have received at the University.

Health Service Board.

The Health Service Board was organized May 8, 1937, under the
provisions of Charter Section 172.1. After nine months' study of health
insurance systems the Board submitted Plan No. 1 to the Retirement
System Board for its approval. That approval having been given by
unanimous vote of the Retirement Board, service was scheduled to
begin March 16, 1938, and the Controller was instructed to deduct

(43 )

$2.50 per month from the compensation of City employees to meet
the expenses of the system.

The Controller made the deduction but impounded the money sub-
ject to the decision of the Supreme Court as to the legality of the
Charter provision and the plan adopted by the Health Service Board.

On September 2, 1938, the Supreme Court handed down its decision
upholding the legality of the system on all contested points. The fol-
lowing quotation from the decision of the court is illuminating in the
approval it gives to the Health Service System:

"It is a familiar observation that the courts are not concerned with
the policy of duly-enacted law, but only with their validity; and in
our opinion the present legislation violates no constitutional guar-
antees. But it may be pointed out, in this connection, that the over-
whelming vote of City employees in favor of the measure was matched .
by the reception of the plan by the members of the medical profes-
sion. Over a thousand physicians, a majority of the licensed practi-
tioners in the City, and nearly all of the City's hospitals, agreed to
furnish services under the plan. And petitioner's brief states that
among those who have joined the staffs are the president of the State
Board of Health, the president of the California State Medical Asso-
ciation and past presidents of that association, the president of the
San Francisco County Medical Society and several past presidents of
that society, the president of the American College of Physicians,
and leading members of the staffs of the medical schools of the Uni-
versity of California and Stanford University."

And in another decision filed the same day the Court refers to the
San Francisco Health Service System as an example worthy of
imitation.

Upon this legal approval the system was made operative beginning
October 1, 1938.

On December 1st, there were 9,615 employees of the City and School
District in the system. Dependents of these employees to the number
of 5,238 had come in.

Approximately $32,000 a month is deducted from the payrolls for the
Health Service Fund. Slightly less than 10% of this is set aside
for the administrative fund. The balance goes to pay for medical
services of doctors, hospitals, laboratory, ambulances, etc. The agree-
ment with the doctors is that their fees may be cut below an agreed
standard if the receipts of any one month are not sufficient to pay
the full fee schedule. Thus far, however, they have been paid the
full fee. It is believed, however, that during the "sick months" some
deficit may occur which, however, will be compensated for by the
surplus of the "health months."

The system has evoked the praise of representative employees and
has been used as a model by the California Medical Association for its
proposed state-wide health service.

Juvenile Probation Department.

During 1937-1938, a total of 1,620 new cases passed through the
Court as against 1,407 for the year previous; 3,741 children were cared
for by us during that period as against 3,526 the previous year. The
Detention Home during that year cared for 1,547 children.

During 1937-1938, $561,477 was expended for maintenance of minors.
Reimbursements from the State, Federal Government, Parents, etc.,
amounted to $243,368. The cost of State School commitments was
$19,907.

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The Public Welfare Commission — The Public Welfare
Department.

The participation of government in the field of welfare continues
to be one of great importance. The need of many people for general
relief and public assistance, in the broad aspect, has not lessened
during this past year, and indeed, in some groups has increased defi-
nitely. In San Francisco, all three levels of government operate to
meet the need of various groups of people falling into the categories
of the unemployed, the indigent, the aged, the blind and the depen-
dent children.

As you undoubtedly know, the Federal Government participates in
the program through two agencies: the Works Progress Administra-
tion administers the work relief program; and, the Social Security
Board makes grants-in-aid to the State for aid to the needy aged, to
the needy blind and to dependent children. The State participates
through two agencies, also: the State Relief Administration, through
its local office, provides direct relief to the unemployed not assigned
to Works Progress Administration projects; and, the State Depart-
ment of Social Welfare supervises the work of the counties and makes
grants-in-aid from state and federal funds to the counties for aid to
the needy aged, to the needy blind and to dependent children. The
City and County of San Francisco, through its Public Welfare Depart-
ment, administers direct relief to the unemployable dependent group
and public assistance to the needy aged, to the needy blind and to
dependent half-orphan children and carries on certain other welfare
activities. During the fiscal year of 1937-1938 the Public Welfare
Commission also had the function of planning the allocation of the
moneys appropriated by your Honorable Board for sponsors' contribu-
tion to Works Progress Administration projects operating in San
Francisco. With the beginning of the current fiscal year (1938-1939)
this function was replaced under my own immediate administration,
at the suggestion of the members of the Public Welfare Commission.

The building plans for housing the Department, as outlined to you
a year ago, were amended, being changed from a project under the
Works Progress Administration to a proposed project under the Public
Works Administration. The defeat of the bond issue proposal before
the popular electorate in the special election of September 30, 1938,
postponed such plans indefinitely. Meanwhile the City and County has
entered into a lease for quarters at 335 Fell Street, four blocks from
the Civic Center, where most of the personnel and services of the
Department will be housed as soon as alterations now under way have
been completed.

As to the extent of the work of the Public Welfare Department, you
may be interested in knowing of the number of cases and persons
who received public assistance and direct relief in November, 1938:

Old Age Assistance 9196 persons $301,831

Blind Aid 460 persons 22,384

Aid to Dependent (Half-Orphan) Children 590 families

with 1487 children 28,116

Supplementary Aid to Dependent Children .... 25o families 5,060

Indigent Relief 3698 cases —

with 6262 persons 107,616

In each of these categories there have been increases over the num-
ber of persons carried one year ago. It is to be noted, however, that
certain factors operating in all four groups are beyond the control
of local government. Liberalized provisions of the California Welfare
and Institutions Code have permitted eligibility requirements to be

(45)

met by a larger group of aged persons, more especially, but also in
the blind and the dependent children groups as well. A changed in-
terpretation of employability under the arbitrary standards set up by
the State Relief Administration has resulted in an increase in the
indigent relief load.

The total costs of public welfare have increased, not only in San
Francisco but in California, and this statement probably holds for
most states of the nation, if the entire program is considered. The
greatest single burden, as you probably know, is the cost of old age aid.
There was recognition of this fact and its effect on the counties, in
the extraordinary session of the State Legislature in March of 1938,
to the end that the sum of six millions of dollars was made available
for pro-rated distribution to the counties during 1938-1939. San Fran-
cisco, on the basis of our case load as compared with the total load
for the State receives slightly more than 7 per cent of the half mil-
lion dollars apportioned each month.

In the general election of November the voters passed a constitu-
tional amendment giving to the State Legislature the power to deal
with unemployment relief. It is my expectation that this will re-
sult in the integration of the two separate programs now in operation
for unemployment relief and indigent relief. It is of vital importance
to the interests of economy as well as to the welfare of our citizens
on relief, that thib consolidated program be administered under local
authority, with State financial participation on all cases, so that an
undue tax burden does not fall on real property. A bill which will
bring about these desired results is being prepared for presentation to
the Legislature.

I am sure that it is your wish, as it is mine, that we might see such
changes in the general economic conditions that there might be a de-
crease in the general unemployment problem, since this would reflect
itself, undoubtedly, in the other phases of the public welfare problem.
I am certain, however, that San Francisco is determined to meet the
need for public welfare services so long as that need exists, by appro-
priate budgetary provision. To do less would be to deny the truth
of the dictum which we are all proud to quote: "San Francisco is the
city that knows how."

Coroner.

The Coroner of the City and County of San Francisco, Dr. T. B. W.
Leland, reports an active period from January 1 to November 1, 1938.

The Coroner's Office handled 2,253 cases during the ten months for
which the report is made, being eighty-one less than in the previous
year, to November 1st.

Inquests held, 2,253; jurors summoned and serving, 751; autopsies
performed, 1,9214; pathological examinations, 1,460; toxicological ex-
aminations, 1,890.

Of the eighty-seven motor vehicle fatalities shown, as against ninety-
six for the year previous, fifty-nine were pedestrians and twenty-nine
deaths occurred at intersections. Sixty-six occurred between 6 p. m.
and 6 a. m. A decrease this year compared with last of three deaths
occurred in the number of fatalities to children under fifteen years of
age, which is noticed with happiness. In this group, I am glad to note
that no death occurred among our precious school children, going to or
from school, or in zones patrolled by school-boy traffic officers.

Homicides showed a decrease, numbering sixteen, as against twenty-
seven. Street-car fatalities showed a decrease, from fourteen to ten, as
also did deaths from carbon monoxide, from fifteen to five. Suicides de-
creased, 202 as compared with 210 in 1937.

Accidental falls accounted for one hundred and forty-four deaths, an

(46)

increase of eleven. Deaths, due to chronic alcoholism, show a decrease
from thirty-one to fifteen.

Juries made fourteen recommendations. Money received for certifica-
tion of papers and deposited with the Treasurer, $747. At auction sale
of uncalled for effects of deceased persons, $286.04.

The recently completed and beautifully-furnished Municipal Mortuary
has occasioned most favorable comment on the part of our citizenry
and by out-of-town visitors, especially by the latter, as it is unique,
probably being the only one of its kind in the United States.

This City is given high credit for the humane handling of the bodies
of deceased persons coming under the Coroner's jurisdiction. Also,
there is most favorable comment upon the kindly courtesy and con-
sideration rendered relatives and friends of deceased persons.

The Municipal Mortuary offers an opportunity for bereaved people,
without means to defray the expenses of a private funeral, to hold their
services here without expense to them whatever. Our system circum-
vents the necessity, in the case of persons of limited means, of facing
burial in the Potter's Field.

Upon our recommendation, graves are donated; in the case of Cath-
olic persons, by the Archbishop, and in the case of Protestant persons,
by the Masonic and other Protestant private cemeteries. The bodies of
Jewish persons dying without means are cared for by the Hebrew
Burial Association.

Services are held in the mortuary, with all the respect and ceremony
attendant upon funeral services similarly held in private establish-
ments. Where the denomination is unknown the Salvation Army gen-
erously offer their impressive service. This is a comparatively new sys-
tem and is offered without cost to the taxpayers.

Agricultural Commissioner.

Inspection of all inter and intrastate shipments of plants, bulbs and
seed is the responsibility of this Department. During 1938 the total
amount of incoming nursery stock was 2,626 shipments, 1,217,134 pack-
ages, with only 12 rejections. Nurseries inspected, 143; private homes
inspected, 10. Nursery stock inspected tor interstate shipment out of
California, 895 shipments and 1,304 packages. Shipments to points out
of the United States, 193 shipments and 1,415 packages.

Retail Store Inspection: 4,206 stores inspected for the condition of
fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey and eggs. Fruits, nuts and vegetables
reconditioned: 920 packages; remarked: 2,219 packages: dumped: 495
packages. Honey remarked: 6,532 packages. Eggs remarked: 21,066
dozen; reconditioned: 3,111 dozen; dumped: 15 dozen.

Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market: 1,996 inspections; recondi-
tioned: 19,661 packages; remarked: 19,842 packages; dumped: 14,973
packages.

There were 7,372 shipments for export amounting to 4,581,156 pack-
ages inspected.

There were 1,456 inspections of potatoes, onions, beans, rice, eggs,
butter, cheese, cereals, dried fruits, alfalfa hay, red oat hay, crushed
oats, rolled barley, bran, rice straw, corn, wheat and birdseed for City
institutions, with only 8 rejections.

The revenue taken for export work and City institutions together
for the year will amount to approximately $8,000.

Purchasing Department.

During my term as a Supervisor, I secured passage of legislation,
establishing a Central Purchasing Bureau, the administration of which
has always had my interest and support. Centralized purchasing is a
sound principle of business in government, because it combines the

(47)

requirements of all using agencies into purchases of large volume, re-
sulting in lower prices; widens competition; permits commodity stand-
ards to be established, thus reducing the number and variety of arti-
cles purchased; enables purchases to be made when conditions are
most favorable for buying; and definitely fixes responsibility for the
buying of all supplies in the vested head of a centralized purchasing
department.

This centralization and control of purchasing in the government of
San Francisco has demonstrated that it is a practical, economical and
efficient method of procurement of supplies for public agencies, with
resulting benefits to the taxpayer.

During 1938, a total of 52,734 purchase orders were issued, involving
an expenditure of $5,284,390.36. By comparison with the previous
year, while the volume of orders was greater, the value of purchase
orders issued and the administration cost of the Purchasing Department
were less than in 1937. A summary of the number of purchase orders
issued and the expenditures are: General and Miscellaneous Depart-
ments, 27,085 orders, $2,437,511.49; education, 5,687 orders, $654,580.38;
Health Department, 6,014 orders, $819,417.50; utilities (exclusive of
Water Department), 4,898 orders, $596,970.94; Water Department, 4,107
orders, $328,506.42; Works Progress Administration, 3,570 orders, $272,-
556.29; unemployment relief, 1,373 orders, $174,853.34.

The policy of aiding home industry, wherever it is legally possible,
is constantly receiving our attention.

Cash discounts earned during the year were quite satisfactory, but
continued efforts are currently being made to realize the maximum
savings possible. The year's work shows increasing coordination in
the operation and savings of the Department, especially in the buying
and accounting divisions, the repair shops, garages, storerooms and
central warehouse. The Purchasing Department of San Francisco is
an excellent demonstration of the fact that centralization and the
observance of sound principles and procedure is not incompatible with
the highest business ideals.

San Francisco-San Mateo Livestock Exposition Buildings.

In general, the condition of the entire project is as follows: The
main pavilion and arena building has been completed. The water and
sewer systems under construction make this building a functioning
unit, and the acquisition of additional seats will make it suitable for
almost any public gathering.

Grading and excavation are about 90 per cent complete. This grading
and surfacing have been done on the track, parking area, paths and
roadways.

A project has been written by Works Progress Administration for
completion of the entire area, including the grading, surfacing on the
land, track and parking area, paving of roadways, fencing of the
grounds, and planting and landscaping the property.

The activity of the Works Progress Administration upon this project
provided employment of 61,400 man days of labor in 1938.

Projects included: Five thousand-foot storm and sanitary sewer
system installed. The W. P. A., in cooperation with the San Fran-
cisco Water Department, laid five thousand lineal feet of 12-inch
high-pressure water main. This main was connected with the San
Francisco Water System. A three thousand-foot irrigation system was
installed. The entire athletic field was loamed and fertilized. An
area of 120,000 square feet was landscaped. Two hundred twenty-seven
thousand cubic yards of earth have been excavated. All concrete foot-
ings under the proposed horse stall units, and under the cattle, sheep
and swine buildings have been laid. There were used in these foot-
ings, 1,800 cubic yards of concrete and 120 tons of reinforcing steel.

(48)

District Attorney.

During the year 1938 this office participated in and conducted ap-
proximately 37,000 court hearings; issued 18,850 citations; conducted
16,500 citation hearings; was represented at all sessions of the Grand
Jury during the year, both regular and special, and collected and
turned into the City Treasurer's office in bail money the total sum
of $715,457.

In addition to the above, this office participated in all Coroner's
inquests wherein suspicion of crime in connection with deaths was
present, attended all meetings of the Parole Board, all meetings of the
Traffic Committee on safety matters, met with groups of merchants
and organizations interested in the various phases of the Unfair
Practices Act and prepared and gave instructions and lectures on the
same to such groups for the purpose of averting law violations and
court prosecutions.

The total cost of conducting the office for the year was $110,780. I
am informed that this is lower than that of any other District Attor-
ney's office of comparable size in the United States.

Of the cases handled by the office of the District Attorney during
the year 1938, of the 37,000 court hearings, approximately 1,350 were
felony cases that reached the Superior Court, and approximately 35,650
were misdemeanor cases disposed of in the Municipal Court; approxi-
mately 300 were crimes involving children, disposed of in the Ju-
venile Court.

Of the total number of approximately 18,850 citations issued, 9,500
were issued by the Bureau of Domestic Relations of this office, dealing
with failure to provide for minor children, indigent wives and aged
parents and similar domestic cases; 2,400 were issued by the Fraud
Bureau of this office, dealing with crimes of frauds, swindles and vio-
lations of the Corporate Securities Act, misleading advertising and
various other rackets; 6,500 were issued by the Warrant and Bond
Office dealing with miscellaneous offenses, felony and misdemeanor
alike, and with violations of City Ordinances; 450 were issued by the
deputy in charge of the Juvenile Court work, relating particularly
to sex offenses and juvenile delinquencies. Hearings on citations were
approximately as follows: Bureau of Domestic Relations, 9,000; Fraud
Bureau, 2,100; Warrant and Bond Office, 6,500; Juvenile Depart-
ment, 400.

The Warrant and Bond Clerk's Department, aside from the issuance
of citations as above noted, prepared 48,000 complaints and 15,000 war-
rants were issued upon these complaints.

Out of 185 narcotic cases disposed of during the year, 171 were con-
victions. These figures pertain to proceedings in the Superior Court.

City Attorney.

During the calendar year 1938 there was a great increase in the
amount of litigation in the office of the City Attorney, carrying with
it a great amount of work in an advisory capacity. This increase was
reflected, not only in the number of actions filed against the City and
its officers, but also in the matter of adjustments between the dif-
ferent departments and persons who had dealings with them.

During the year two new departments were added to those already
in existence in the municipal government, to-wit, the Health Service
Bureau and the Federal Housing Bureau. Immediately upon the
Health Service Bureau being established, a question arose as to whether
it had the right to function along the lines provided in the Charter.
The matter was promptly carried to the Supreme Court by this office
and the court held that it was a proper function of the municipality

(49)

to maintain a Health Service Bureau. However, this office has ruled
that it operates independently of the municipality itself and its func-
tions are not a financial charge against the City.

The State Housing Authority was brought into being by an act of
the State Legislature enacted at the 1938 special session of the Legis-
lature. Under the provisions of the Act, the Housing Authority has
the right to call upon the City Attorney for legal services. This the
Authority did, but owing to his limited staff, it was necessary for the
City Attorney to provide a part-time assistant to serve the Authority.
The Authority has been paying for this assistant.

During the year, 496 claims for injuries arising in the different
branches of this government were filed, 286 of which have ripened
into suits against the City and, undoubtedly, many more will do so,
for the reason that while a claim for damages against the City must
be filed within sixty days after the occurrence on which the claim is
based, from one to two years are allowed in which to commence an
action against the City.

This office has been particularly fortunate in the litigation of the
Municipal Railway, as the amount paid out in damages is less than
that paid in any previous year. This office does not claim entire credit
for this situation, for, undoubtedly, the employees of our Municipal
Railway are doing their best to operate their street cars in a most
careful manner.

The courts have somewhat tightened up in the matter of allowing
damages for injuries arising from defective sidewalks, but still this
is a prolific source of litigation against the City. We are hopeful of
getting some amendments to the State law which will relieve the
City of some of this liability.

During the year nearly 200 actions have been brought to trial. These
actions affected every department in the City Government.

Under the direction of the Board of Supervisors this office has com-
menced 21 suits to abate existing nuisances and has also commenced
12 actions in eminent domain to acquire property needed for munici-
pal purposes.

During the year the Richmond sewer was completed and some 21
actions have been brought against the City for damages to adjacent
property by reason of the construction of the sewer. None of these
actions have as yet been tried and the courts have not determined
whether the liability rests upon the City or the contractor.

The United States Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the decision
of the United States District Court in the so-called one-man car case
and this case is now on appeal to the Supreme Court of the United
States.

The action brought by the United States Government to enjoin the
City from continuing the distribution of its hydro-electric power through
the agency of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company was decided ad-
versely to the City by the United States District Court and this case
is now pending on appeal in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals.

The City has been represented in the usual number of rate cases be-
fore the Railroad Commission of the State of California. Many of
them were not of extreme importance to the City, the City being only
incidentally interested. The City did, however, have a direct interest
in the application of the Market Street Railway Company for an in-
crease in fare. This case was heard on two separate occasions and
finally resulted in the Railway Company's being allowed a seven-cent
fare. This fare became effective on January 1, 1939.

(50)

Annual Message

■MHSHRBBBBI

OF

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO THE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF THE

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

Mm/BmmmBammmmMmmmmmmKmmBMHaaaKum

■t***'

*,

January Eighth
Nineteen Forty

GOLDEN GATE INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION
MAY55_loSEPTEMRER ?9 1040

Annual Message

OF

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO TH E

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF TH E

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Eighth
Nineteen Forty

Printed by

Franklin Typesetting Co.

447 Sansome Street

Letter of the Mayor

Office of the Mayor, San Francisco.

January 8, 1940.
To the Honorable
The Board of Supervisors
City Hall, San Francisco
Gentlemen:

Provisions of Section 25 of the Charter of the City and County of
San Francisco, require me annually to acquaint your Honorable Board
with the state of municipal affairs, and to make pertinent comments on
outstanding matters, together with such recommendations for future
consideration as may appear necessary.

You will note herein reference to several important problems now
facing our city. Also, detailed analyses of the activities of the various
departments handed to me by their proper heads, in the annual message,
hereto appended.

The Exposition.

February eighteenth witnessed the opening of the Golden Gate Inter-
national Exposition on Treasure Island, a precinct of San Francisco and
the largest man-made body of land in the history of engineering. This
glorious scene charmed the eyes of more than ten millions in the
period February 18th to October 29th.

Of the one and a half million tourist visitors to California in 1939,
Californians, Inc., estimates that one million visited Treasure Island.
Nearly half, these statistics show, had never been to California before,
which is significant of the wide appeal of Exposition publicity, prior
to its opening.

Having had close contact with the project for an Exposition in 1939,
and the various steps taken to insure its production and administration,
I feel that I reflect the opinions of a great majority of Californians in
forecasting great benefit to the Bay Region and the State at large,
from the Golden Gate International Exposition.

The decision to re-open the Exposition for four months in 1940,
beginning on May 25th, is the result of many weeks of incessant
attention of many of our citizens. I trust all loyal citizens will do their
utmost to bring success to this enterprise, which means so much for the
progress of our city.

The Mayor's office, during 1939, received royalty, foreign ministers,
commissioners, and Federal officials of note, whose desire to see the
Exposition brought them to our hospitable shores. These received a
hearty welcome and, in many cases, further courtesies during their
welcome stay with us.

During several months prior to its opening, and from February 18th
until the close of the Exposition, October 29th, the Mayor or an official
was called upon, on two hundred and fifty-three occasions to officiate
on Treasure Island. These appointments covered a varied scope.

The opening of exhibit palaces, by representatives of the governments
interested, called for many journeys to the Island; and, on many days
the Mayor took formal part in three or four programs.

The most eagerly sought attraction at the Exposition was the ex-
hibition of European art, from the Fourteenth through the Nineteenth
Centuries, which was assembled by Dr. Walter Heil, Director of San
Francisco's Municipal Museums.

( 3 )

Never in the United States has such a gorgeous collection been
brought forth. More than two million visitors gave hours of rapt
attention to the treasures of this astounding department.

For his untiring energies and influential services in bringing these
peerless examples of art to Treasure Island, hearty thanks are due
Dr. Heil.

San Francisco Building.

During this year of the Golden Gate International Exposition,
appropriations for the construction and maintenance of the San Fran-
cisco Building on Treasure Island were more than justified by the wide
public service the Building rendered both to local citizens and visitors
from all parts of the world.

A striking example of modern architecture and interior decorating,
the San Francisco Building, without notable exploitation by press or
radio, attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors. We have had many
assurances that this delightful center of rest and hospitality was out-
standing, not only in this Exposition but unique in the history of such
undertakings anywhere. Aside from its normal purpose of supplying
the public with a restful and delightful environment in which to be-
come acquainted with the culture and progress of our city, the building
was a mecca for thousands of music lovers who crowded its lounges
and rotunda during the daily organ and vocal recitals and the week-
end concerts by the Municipal Orchestra and prominent singers. Special
entertainment events were common. Artists of international renown
appeared in the large lounge adjoining the Mayor's suite. Among these
were two famous string quartettes, a harpist and pianist, both known
in musical circles all over the world. In addition, numerous groups
from the city's playgrounds and public schools appeared in singing,
dancing, and dramatic programs.

Receptions in honor of prominent figures in public life were frequent.
The Crown Princes and Princesses of Norway and Denmark, ambas-
sadors, ministers, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, Al Smith, Mayor La Guardia
of New York, Mayor Kelly of Chicago, and scores of notables were
thus entertained. Clergy of all faiths were welcome guests at the
building.

Special groups, also, were given public receptions. The United States
Conference of Mayors Regional Meeting, the members of the State
Legislature, the Convention of Police Chiefs, and the Convention of
Fire Chiefs, the Civil Service Association, representatives of the State
Federation of Labor, Customs Officials, delegates to the Inter-American
Travel Congress, and other organizations received official greetings in
the San Francisco Building.

The list of fraternal, social, service, professional, veteran, and civic
organizations holding luncheons and teas there would be too numerous
to mention in this report, but it should be said that no distinction was
drawn in such entertainments for reasons of race, creed, or nationality.
I was particularly pleased to arrange special days at the San Francisco
Building for the old folks from the Laguna Honda Home, and was struck
with the pleasure these visits to the Exposition and to the Host
Building gave these, the City's guests.

In summing up, it might be said in all truth, that the success of the
many official and semi-official functions and the favorable comment of
more than a million visitors, from far and near, earned in publicity
and goodwill far more than the dollars-and-cents expenditure which
made the building possible.

I feel sure that a like commendable record will be made when the
Fair re-opens in May, and take this means to remind the citizens that
this is their building. I urge them to make it their headquarters
during the "Fair in Forty."

( 4 )

I could not dismiss my reference to the Exposition without paying
warm tribute to the landscaping done by Uncle John McLaren, and his
assistant, Julius Girod. This landscaping, together with the remarkable
lighting effects were two outstanding attractions at Treasure Island.

I cannot let this opportunity pass without drawing attention to the
highly praiseworthy fact that during construction of the Exposition
and throughout its life, there was no stoppage of work because of
strikes or lockouts. Once again conservative labor leaders cooperated
for the benefit of all the people.

Labor Problems.

Which brings me to an issue predominant in the minds of the people
of the entire country and very much misunderstood insofar as San
Francisco is concerned. I refer to labor problems and labor leadership.

It is because of the vital importance of the subject matter and be-
cause of a recognized necessity for constructive action in relations
thereto, I particularly desire to direct your attention to the city's in-
dustrial situation.

I feel I would be remiss in my duty and lacking in courage if I
failed to deal with this subject at this time, or if I dealt with it in a
manner lacking in frankness.

Prodigally endowed with geographical, climatic and other ad-
vantages, San Francisco is the natural gateway to the ocean of the
future and is destined to be a great metropolis in spite of any
momentary setback.

The city has a history which challenges the imagination of men and
has always been held in high esteem and regard throughout the world.

San Francisco, for sixty years, has occupied an enviable position,
not only because it was the focal center of one of the most amazing
economic developments of modern history, but because its growth and
progress have been accomplished to the accompaniment of a constant
and increasing recognition of human rights.

All San Franciscans have experienced satisfaction and pride because
the city was known as a human and lovable center.

I am not concerned at this time with the cultural development of
the city, which has given it an enviable place among the cities of
America, insofar as the encouragement of music, literature, painting,
and sculpture are concerned. I am concerned at this time in bringing
to your attention and to the minds of our people, the fundamentally
sound bases on which the amazing industrial development of San
Francisco was founded, with particular attention to the relationship
between industry and organized labor.

Industry has flourished in San Francisco for approximately half a
century, with an astounding record of consistent health — until the
last five years.

It has been accepted as an incontestable truth that depression and
panics had less effect in San Francisco than in any other city of the
nation, and that the city had greater recuperative power than any
other municipality.

While it has been true that all of our citizens have not lived in
magnificent establishments, it is equally true that San Francisco has
always been distinctive for the fact that we have practically no slum
areas and have been free from the curse of gangsterism, which breeds
in such areas.

I accept without qualification the finding of economists that these
aspects of San Francisco life have been attributable in very large
degree to the fact that the workers of the community long ago
recognized the benefits flowing from sound organization and formed

( 5 )

themselves into unions, which, under generally wise and prudent leader-
ship, not only improved the condition of their members but made a
lasting contribution to the upbuilding of the city.

During more than forty years, organized labor, under the leader-
ship of men whose names occupy a place of honor on the national roll
call of Labor, exercised an increasing influence in the life of the com-
munity and was part of the directing forces of every civic movement.

I do not pretend that organized labor was free from human faults
nor do I pretend that finances or industry, or any other institution, is
free from frailty.

There were episodes when mistakes, and serious mistakes, were made,
but there never was a period when organized labor, as such, forgot its
responsibility to the community or abandoned the fundamental principles
upon which all civilized society must rest.

In common with thousands of employers, I accepted the word of
organized labor as being equivalent to a gilt-edged bond, and never had
reason to regret it.

For many years I have enjoyed the confidence and friendship of
leaders of labor and have had an exceptional opportunity to study, at
first hand, the secret of their success in making their respective
organizations strong, cohesive and self-respecting bodies of men.

Michael Casey.

I have always found it easier to illustrate my views by specific
references rather than general statements, and in this connection I
am fortunate in having enjoyed for thirty or thirty-five years the warm
friendship of the late Michael Casey, International Vice-President of
the Teamsters' Union.

No one familiar with the facts will question that the Teamsters'
Union is one of the strongest organizations of its kind to be found in
the United States or elsewhere, nor will anyone question that its up-
building was largely the life work of Michael Casey.

In analyzing the reasons why the teamsters of San Francisco have
enjoyed individually well paid jobs, under wholesome conditions, it has
always been interesting to me to find that the employers of San Fran-
cisco considered a contract with the Teamsters' Union as safe, or
safer, than any contract made by them covering finances, or other
aspects of their business.

Michael Casey built the great strength and prosperity of the
Teamsters' Union on the fundamental principle of good faith.

Another interesting maxim of Michael Casey's philosophy was "keep
your men at work."

In a period of thirty-four years, from 1900 to 1934, this Teamsters'
Union of San Francisco had never been on strike. It was a fundamental
tenet of the Casey belief that a strike was a two edged weapon, which,
once unsheathed, caused damage in all directions.

I can think of no better way to appraise him than to quote from a
portion of the eulogy of His Excellency, Archbishop John J. Mitty, at
Mr. Casey's funeral, May 5, 1937. His Excellency said:

"Michael Casey made for himself a distinguished place in the
history of this city and in the history of the labor movement
in the United States. During all the years which he devoted
to the labor cause, no man could ever doubt his sincerity, his
integrity, his transparent honesty, his determination to battle
for the rights of labor, his realization of the obligations of
labor. His recognition of the rights of industry and likewise
his demand that industry give to labor its just due. He was
fair and just in the demands that he made upon industry and

( 6 )

he was likewise insistent that labor give its full meed of

justice to industry. He was a leader whom men could follow.

He was a leader whom industrialists respected and admired.

His word was his bond and men took it! In these days of

industrial strife and unrest, it is a relief indeed to look upon

a character of his type. He was no reckless leader; he was no

racketeer; he labored in order that his fellow working men

might attain a living wage and decent working conditions and

he always fought his battle honestly and above board. He was

ever mindful of the obligations, as well as the rights of labor

and he was ever respectful of the rights of industry."

I could multiply indefinitely the instances in which sound unions

were organized on the same bases as the Teamsters' Union. I do not

enumerate them individually or specifically because of the fact that

the Casey philosophy and his outstanding personality afford me the

vehicle for pointing the discussion of the subject.

During the last five years we have experienced in San Francisco a
temporary departure from sound principles.

In illustrating what I have in mind with relation to this phase of
the matter, I am again going to use a personality.

Harry Bridges.

Five years ago, Harry Bridges, an alien who brought to this country
with him a consciousness of class distinction, inaugurated a regime
in one section of labor the primary tenet of which was bad faith in
relation to contracts and the indiscriminate use of the strike as a
weapon of industrial progress.

I do Mr. Bridges no injustice when I assert that his philosophy of
labor is based on bad faith.

Not only have violations of contracts executed by Mr. Bridges been
innumerable but he personally has boasted, on many occasions, that
he would observe a solemn contract entered into by him only so long
as it was to his advantage.

Additionally, the Bridges philosophy not only involves the inculcation
of hatred but the maintenance of agencies of publicity and propaganda
constantly to fan the embers of hatred and to keep industrial relations
in a state of turmoil.

I believe it is fair to state that Mr. Bridges' prominence in the
labor movement in San Francisco stems from the general belief he
was responsible for advantages won by the waterfront workers in an
arbitration which took place in 1934.

It happens that as Mayor of San Francisco in 1934, I was more
fully advised, I believe sincerely, than any other human being of what
transpired at that time.

I have derived unlimited amusement from the so-called inside stories
which have been published by politicians and others regarding that
incident.

May I say to you that the tales which have been told were closer to
fiction than they were to fact.

In general, let me recall that 75 or 80 per cent of the people of San
Francisco were in sympathy with the waterfront workers in their
attempt to better their condition.

I question if any labor leader ever had a more favorable situation
to bring about a constructive solution than did Mr. Bridges.

Whether he just blundered or was beguiled by the idea that he
could supplant constituted authority in San Francisco and become an
extra-legal boss of the city, he plunged the Bay area into the general
strike.

( 7 )

Having brought about chaos, he was bankrupt in ideas, and for three
days, San Francisco faced one of the greatest crisis in its history.

As Mayor of San Francisco, I summoned advisors from private life
and induced them to share with me the burden and responsibility of
maintaining constituted authority, or breaking up without qualification
or compromise Bridges' abortive attempt at usurpation and saving
legitimate organized labor from the terrible consequences of a popula-
tion infuriated by the suggestion of an alien that he was going to
starve it into submission.

Michael Casey, then seventy-eight years of age, emerged from a
hospital. In the critical hours of the general strike, his unbroken
record of good faith commanded the respect of every single adviser
I had.

I do not overstate the fact one bit when I say that it was his
character, his keen analysis of the situation, and his persuasive
eloquence which swung events back into the channels of sanity.

Mr. Bridges does not know up to this minute how private citizens,
summoned to my aid as advisers, bridged the gap after the general strike
was crushed, and in negotiation with Mr. Casey and the ship owners
secured the agreement to arbitrate which resulted in advantages to
the longshoremen.

The Real Benefactor.

Michael Casey, not Harry Bridges, was the benefactor of the water-
front workers in 1934.

The accuracy of my statement is subject to confirmation by gentle-
men entirely independent of me.

I refer to the publishers of the newspapers of the San Francisco
Bay region.

They have all the facts.

The reason they have the facts is that they were the gentlemen
who served the city so loyally in those critical days and by the weight
of their influence secured the arbitration agreement after the blunder-
ing of Bridges had precipitated a calamitous situation and had alienated
public opinion.

Were any other evidence necessary to prove conclusively the
destructive effects of Bridges' leadership a review of the history of
the waterfront in the last four years supplies the answer.

More than a thousand so-called quickie strikes, to protracted heart-
breaking strikes over the Christmas period, the imposition of nagging
and harassing regulations, which have driven commerce from our
port and industries from our city, tell the story of labor leadership
based on hatred, bad faith and irresponsible use of power.

San Francisco as a whole, and organized labor particularly, have
paid enormous sums in money, privation and misery for this kind of
leadership.

Possibly far more destructive, however, is the constant dissemination
abroad of the untruthful statement that Organized Labor in San
Francisco is under the domination of Bridges. Few people elsewhere
ever hear of the tens of thousands of organized workers going about
their daily tasks in San Francisco under wise and constructive leader-
ship, enjoying excellent working conditions and contributing to the
upbuilding of the community. They do hear constantly of Bridges*
leadership of a portion of the waterfront workers, which seems to
derive a sadistic pleasure from hatred and destruction.

To attempt to hide from ourselves the fact that San Francisco has
been grievously injured would indicate not only a lack of courage but
a lack of intelligence.

( 8 )

The burning question today is — what are we going to do about it?
As the chief executive of the city, I recognize that as a matter of
law the longshoremen have a right to be represented by a leader of
their own choosing.

They will be protected in that right with all of the power of the
city government.

No public authority, no employer, no person not a member of the
longshoremen's union has any right or should be permitted to interfere
in its internal concerns.

On the other hand, the rank and file of the longshoremen's union
and organized labor as a whole should, in common with the rest of the
populace of San Francisco take an inventory at this time to determine
what is to be done to rebuild industry, commerce, and the good name
of San Francisco.

It is going to be my purpose from time to time to inaugurate and
encourage in every channel possible concurrent activities toward this
end. In that endeavor I ask for, will welcome, and am entitled to the
support of every citizen and of every organization within our bounds.

I am confident I will receive it.

Continued labor unrest will destroy this town. Peaceful labor
relations will permit its progress.

Our Duty as a City.

After all, this City came into being because Central and Northern
California needed a center for services and supplies. This City will
continue to exist as a city only so long as it is in a position to provide
the services and the supplies that Central and Northern California
will require.

Of the entire income — and I do not mean governmental income —
of our State, agriculture contributes 15%; 65% of the crops of the
State are produced in Central and Northern California. San Francisco
is the geographical natural marketing and production center of that
area.

The day has arrived when all San Franciscans — not just some
organizations of businessmen, nor a few far-sighted public officials —
every industrialist, every merchant, every worker, every housewife,
must recognize the tremendous stake that this City has in the prosperity
of the vast agricultural and mineral empire that surrounds it, and must
be thoroughly awakened to the responsibilities of this City's relation-
ship to that area.

There was a day, perhaps, when San Francisco could afford to be
indifferent, safe in the knowledge that rural California had to do busi-
ness in the City by the Golden Gate. But that day (if it ever actually
existed) has gone by. Modern transportation and modern highways
have changed many, many things. Speaking coldly: San Francisco must
retain the confidence and goodwill of its trade area or suffer the
consequences. The personal prosperity and the personal well-being of
every person in San Francisco depends to an amazing extent upon the
prosperity and upon the goodwill of the people of the trading area.

It was the realization of this fact that led, in the summer of
1939, to the formation of the Regional Service Committee, an organiza-
tion of ten officials of the City and County government with this
major objective — "To serve rural California thus serving San Fran-
cisco."

One of its most important tasks is to prevail upon the people of
San Francisco to turn their eyes inland, to see beyond the hills that
guard the City's skyline and, to extend understanding and service to
the people of the great valleys of the Sacramento and the San Joaquin,

( 9 )

the four hundred mile long empire between the Sierras, and the rugged
Coast Range.

The Committee wants to make the people of San Francisco realize
that their City in addition to being the commercial and financial
metropolis of the West is basically an agricultural center. It wants
to awaken in San Franciscans the knowledge that their own prosperity
to an inestimable extent lies in the truck gardens and the lettuce
fields of the south, the vineyards, the cotton fields, and the endless
fruit orchards of the valleys, the mines of the Mother Lode and the
Siskiyous, the forests of the Sierras and the Coast Range, the cattle
and the sheep roaming the foothills, the cows in the dairy barns, and
the poultry on the perches of the thousand farms and ranches.

With that knowledge will come from rural California a more
sympathetic understanding of the problems of the City and a recognition,
that the City desires to strengthen and improve its possibilities of
service to the trading area.

The Advisory Committee on Regional Service has made some head-
way in the three months of its actual operations. Its possibilities and
its opportunities are limitless.

I would ask that you continue with me, your support of the splendid
work of this Committee.

It goes without saying that the question of relief and social wel-
fare is closely allied to trade, industry, and gainful employment.
Despite labor troubles above referred to, the City of San Francisco
has not failed to care for its needy and sick a burden which of
necessity increases when unemployment is created by lock-outs or
strikes.

Relief and Social Welfare.

Nevertheless, during the calendar year just ended, this city and
county again has responded generously to the great humanitarian work
of relief and social welfare.

Last month (December, 1939) ten thousand three hundred and five
San Franciscans received Old Age assistance checks averaging about
$33 apiece. Over twelve hundred new recipients were added to the
rolls. Our citizens afflicted with the loss of sight — 519 of them —
received their regular monthly checks for over $48; three thousand
three hundred needy children received $22 per month each, and four
thousand indigent cases, about $30 a month apiece. In all, exclusive
of hospitalization and institutional care, over $550,000 was disbursed
last month, 13% above the preceding year.

Your Public Welfare Commission, at my request, has recommended a
program for consolidating the administration of relief for employables
and unemployables in California, which the legislative and adminis-
trative branches of your City and County government, and I, as its
executive, have approved. We believe it will result in more efficient
and economical administration of relief in the City and County of San
Francisco and throughout the State of California. The proposed pro-
gram will be submitted by your Advisory Committee on State Legisla-
tion, your Coordinating Committee on Work Relief Projects, your
Public Welfare Commission and me, to the Legislative Delegation of
the City and County of San Francisco before the special session of the
legislature convenes on January 29th.

I sincerely trust the proposed program will be approved by our State
legislators and enacted into law during the special session. The Federal
Government has seen fit to entrust the administration of the Social
Security Program to the Board of Supervisors of over 3,000 counties
throughout the nation and there certainly is no sound or logical reason

( 10 )

why the State of California should not entrust the administration of
unemployment relief, an emergency measure, to its counties.

The amount of the annual tax burden of the citizens is closely allied
with the relief burden. The cost of government has not increased
materially but the cost of humanitarian activities has jumped
tremendously. In 1928-29 the City and County paid for the maintenance
of minors and for widows' pensions, $707,671. Old age security and
financial aid to the needy blind were not established until the fiscal
year 1929-30, and so today in providing these aids as well as for the
maintenance of minors and care of the needy blind, San Francisco's
bill is $1,155,750.

In order to establish in your minds by comparison, let me cite these
facts: in 1928-29 the expenditures for humanitarian purposes for which
San Francisco taxpayers provided the funds totaled $2,339,146.53. In
1938-39 humanitarian expenditures, financed by San Francisco taxpayers
cost those taxpayers $6,130,519.75 — an increased cost to local taxpayers
over that ten year period of $3,791,373.22. May I emphasize the fact
that these costs were borne by local taxpayers and these costs do not
include other expenditures from other sources for the same human-
itarian purposes.

In addition, it is well known to us all that material sums have
been contributed by the City and County for W.P.A. activities. During
the past year the total cost to the city for W.P.A. projects sponsored by
the municipal government was $1,917,775 — which was 4.5% in excess
of Federal demands — being 29.5% of the total cost of the projects. This
sponsorship of projects on the part of the City and County of San
Francisco provided 13,989 employments.

Taxation.

This brings me to the matter of taxation. As I have said, the cost
of government has not increased materially but the Mayor and your
Honorable Board of Supervisors have certain fixed expenditures over
which they have no control and which it is arbitrary for them to
place in the budget. I refer particularly to the School Department.
Under State law the Board of Education is permitted to spend without
restriction by the Mayor or Board of Supervisors. In addition, heavy
expenditures are required in the budget for bond interest and redemp-
tion, the retirement of bonds voted on and approved by the people.

None likes to be taxed. Utopia in the modern day seems to be
orderly government — without taxation. But none has found Utopia.
Orderly government cannot endure unless funds are secured for its
functioning.

It always has been my endeavor to keep taxes down. My record in
this regard speaks for itself.

Heads of departments of city government are now engaged in pre-
paring their budgets for the coming fiscal year. I have served warning
and reiterate now, that my policy toward the forthcoming budget will
be that no capital expenditures will receive my approval unless it be
proved that they are absolutely necessary.

I have no doubt that department heads will include in their
budgets recommendations for some salary adjustments, nor have I
doubt that there are some adjustments necessary. Therefore, in recom-
mending to your Honorable Board, I will go as far as I can in the
matter, where I can be shown that there are inequalities.

Good government depends upon keeping up the functions of govern-
ment and maintaining it not only with an efficient but a contented
personnel. It also depends upon fair treatment to all its people. It is
because I believe in such equitable treatment to the citizens that I
advocate licensing for revenue.

( 11 )

That is why I vetoed Bill No. 440, passed by your Honorable Board
on Tuesday, December 26, 1939. In that veto message I said:

"I am in sympathy with the principle of relieving present
delinquents under the existing license ordinance from the
penalties of delinquencies, but I am definitely of the opinion
that prompt provisions should be made for the continuation of
revenue licenses."

To be fair, the tax base should be spread so all will pay their way,
and added burdens not forced upon the property owner alone. Conse-
quently I strongly recommend to your Honorable body that it draw up
necessary ordinances to the end that an equitable tax base may be
established.

While on the subject of taxation, I desire to draw your attention to
San Francisco's proportion of "State-collected-locally-shared" taxes,
including such as the sales taxes, inheritance taxes, personal income
taxes, and liquor taxes.

Despite earnest efforts to establish exactly the amount of such taxes
collected from San Francisco in comparison with the amount thereof
returned by the State to San Francisco, no official data are available.
Based on incomplete information, received unofficially from semi-
official sources, the per capita exactions from San Francisco would
appear to be disproportionate when compared with amounts returned
to San Francisco, calculated on a per capita basis. I am reliably in-
formed that for the fiscal year which ended June 30, 1939, the sales
tax collection made by the State in the City and County of San Fran-
cisco amounted to $13,690,634.63.

In other words, here are fourteen million dollars in taxes coming out
of San Francisco for sales tax alone. What sums the State exacted in
other forms of taxes — personal income taxes, inheritance, liquor li-
censes, etc., are not readily available.

It seems to me that it would be sound policy for San Francisco to
undertake an examination of State records in order to establish just
what the people not only of this county but of every county, are pay-
ing to the State, and thereafter to establish, what financial aid is being
given by the State to the 58 counties. In the final analysis tremendous
sums of money are being collected from the people of California by the
State Government, but the resentment of the people because of tax
exactions is directed primarily against their local governments.

When all is said and done, local government is far closer to the
people than the State government is, and local government, it seems to
me, should take every possible step to safeguard local people against
further exactions by the State or even by the Federal governments.

For these reasons I believe local government and local communities
are entitled to know exactly what proportion of the monies given to
the State government are returned to their respective communities.
I believe that if that were done, there would be opportunity to correct
whatever inequalities may exist. This is a matter which I urgently
recommend be considered by the Advisory Committee on State
Legislation.

Our Financial Situation.

Insofar as governmental finances generally are concerned, may I
point out to you that of the three divisions of government — the Federal,
the State, and the Municipal — the only budget that is balanced is
your municipal budget — and balanced on a cash basis, and on a tax
rate which throughout the nine years of my administration as Chief
Executive has been the lowest in the country of any city of comparable
size, without the reduction of needed functions of municipal government.

The interest charged us on our bonds is the lowest in history,

( 12 )

showing the faith of financial institutions in the soundness of our

government and its future development.

I think San Francisco's sound financial position may be summed up

in the words of Kaiser & Co., specialists in California bonds, who, in

a digest for investors in municipal bonds, have this to say regarding

San Francisco:

"San Francisco is a stable, conservative, wealthy city strateg-
ically located in relation to the agricultural areas of Northern
and Central California. It is estimated that the aggregate
assets of 150 San Francisco-managed corporations with
established security positions amount to a total of six billion
dollars. Overall economic indices register a satisfactory degree
of progress in recent years.

"San Francisco's outstanding financial status may be summed
up as follows:
"The debt ratio is very low.

"Debt requirements involve but a small portion of the general
budget.

"The total debt matures at a normal rate and retirement of
general purpose bonds is very rapid.
"The tax collection record is exceptional.

"The total adjusted tax rate is but three-quarters of the
average of 220 American cities and but 70% of the average of
cities with populations in excess of 500,000.
"A sound financial position is maintained.
"The low level of the tax supported debt leaves ample margin
for the financing of such of San Francisco's capital needs as
may be approved by the voters."

Coincident with the self-evident excellent financial standing of
the city is the steady growth of the metropolis and healthy condition
of business.

Publicity emanating from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
and Californians, Inc. has disclosed that during the first nine months
of 1939 — retail sales were 14.1% more than for the same period in 1938.
That sales in our drug stores during the month of July, 1939, increased
over July of the preceding year, four times as much as they increased
in any other part of California. Airline traffic at San Francisco in
September, 1939, revealed a 54% increase over September, 1938.
Restaurant receipts in July, 1939, were 40.2% above July of 1938.

In addition, the building industry is booming and all records for
building construction are falling. Certainly this is no "Ghost City."

With this great record all should be boosters. Those who knock this
city do so because they are not our friends.

Transportation.

Of course, with a city growing as is San Francisco, one of its most
perplexing problems must be transportation. It is a problem faced by
all progressive cities — an ever changing problem as cities develop and
industrial and residential areas develop. As far as municipal trans-
portation is concerned, expansion of service locally is not as rapid
as your city administration would like it. Under the charter we can
make no capital expenditures for municipal car line or bus extensions.
These must come only from accumulated earnings, if any, or from
bond issues, which require a two-third vote.

When such bond issues are proposed, we immediately expose the
frailties of human nature. The bond issue is suggested to improve
District X. It will have no immediate benefit to District Y or District

( 13 )

Z. So the people in District X vote overwhelmingly for the bond issue —
while the people in Districts Y and Z either don't vote at all, or vote
against incurring an expense in which they are not directly interested.

I repeat, as I have repeated from time to time, that we can never
solve the transportation problem until we have a unified system with
a rate of fare the same to all people.

And I too reiterate, that that unified system should maintain a 5<£ fare
and universal transfer. I insist that the municipal government is not
in the transportation business for profit. Its responsibility should lie
in giving service to the public, particularly in outlying districts.

As far as traffic is concerned, your Honorable Board is aware of its
own action in passing a resolution for the employment of a traffic
engineer to work out in detail a solution to this vexing problem. You
have before you now a contract for the employment of the eminent
engineer, Mr. Charles H. Purcell. I trust that the contract will be
approved by your Board.

Because of the topography and the extraordinary geographical lay-
out of San Francisco, by which Market Street becomes a trough down
which or over which must pass the bulk of the street traffic, solving the
traffic problem is extremely difficult.

That the administration has been clearing the way for facile move-
ment of traffic under proper control is evidenced throughout the city.
Many, many streets have been widened, additional stop-and-go signals
installed, and overhead power and telephone lines put underground.

In recommending that these progressive steps continue, may I
emphasize the need to speed up the latter. Removal of unsightly poles
and wires along several thoroughfares has turned them from mere
streets to beautiful boulevards.

I urge upon your Board continuing cooperation and the utmost
support for Congressman Welch in his splindid, fruitful fight to
establish federal dry docks at Hunters Point and to restore ship build-
ing to the Pacific Coast and San Francisco, in particular. The ad-
ministration and the Supervisors should bend every effort to strengthen
the Congressman's fight in Washington, and the city should be grateful
not only to him but to Jos. J. Moore for his splendid ship building
operations. He has exploded the canard that ship building in the West
was not feasible because of exorbitant cost of construction and labor
difficulties. This was the cry of rival eastern firms, sent up for several
years in Washington.

Mr. Moore's firm not only has proved that ships can be built in the
San Francisco Bay area, without a large cost differential over the
eastern yards, but also that they can be built without labor difficulties
and ahead of contract time.

While on the subject of ships and shipbuilding, may I remind your
Honorable Board also of the need of renewing our so far partly success-
ful efforts to restore ship runs to this port.

Harbor Control.

Naturally, Harbor control is linked with this drive for more traffic
to this port. Despite our recent defeat at the Legislature, I believe
San Francisco should not give up the fight for home rule of its own
waterfront. I can only repeat what I said in my message to you last
year, that "If it is good business for the State of California to manage
San Francisco's Harbor, then it is good business for the State to
manage all harbors within its jurisdiction."

I reaffirm that we should be given the key to our own front door.

I take this opportunity to express the thanks of the people of this
city to the local radio stations which have broadcasted programs of
material benefit to our community.

( 14 )

Again this year our Christmas Sing, broadcast on Christmas Eve,
has brought commendation by wire and letter from all over the nation
and in many cases from foreign countries.

The past year has been a strenuous one for the members of your
Board and particularly for the Mayor. In my case, beside the regular
duties of my office, and the arduous task of officially representing the
city at the Exposition as already outlined in this message, I also engaged
in a political campaign.

I am happy and grateful over the results. The returns on November
7th indicate to me that the people of San Francisco have confidence in
my administration. That confidence I trust I shall retain.

Unfortunately the combination of work, the Exposition and cam-
paigning caused me to suffer a severe cold which required several
weeks for recovery. I have been back at my desk for a week, restored
in health and vigorously attacking the everyday problems of a large
metropolis.

I like my job, and am going to continue in it just as long as the
people, by their vote, show that I am being of service to them.

Therefore, I appeal for harmony and cooperation, not only from
department heads but from all those in the municipal government who,
like myself, are serving the public. All of us are servants of the
people. Under our Charter are set up many departments of government
where authority overlaps between one department and another. There
should be no jealousy but a determination to cooperate one with the
other to the end that the people as a whole be best served.

This cooperation I expect as a matter of course. If it is not forth-
coming, I shall demand it.

A happy and prosperous New Year to all of you.

Mayor.

( 15 )

Mayor's Annual Message

Office of the Mayor, San Francisco.

January 8, 1940.
The Honorable, The Board of Supervisors,
San Francisco, California.
Gentlemen:

My message, as required by the Charter, follows:

Controller.

The Charter makes it mandatory that the Controller shall submit
annually a complete financial report.

In a strictly fiscal sense, the condition of the affairs of local govern-
ment are herein reflected in the audits made by certified public
accountants.

It was the policy of my predecessor in office to augment the financial
report by the inclusion of comments and specific recommendations
relative to the general problems of local government. This policy has
been continued by me because of my recognition that, in the absence
of current comment, the filing of a financial report tends to become a
mere formality, and the technical language of a financial report discour-
ages interest in the problems of government.

It is my personal hope and belief that frank comments, constructively
intended, may stimulate the interest not only of the public generally
but, more particularly, of the public officials and the heads of the]
various departments, boards and commissions who are charged, jointly
with the Controller, with certain responsibilities.

Coordination of Departmental Planning With Fiscal Program.

Conversations with members of the Board of Freeholders who
formulated the Charter indicate definitely that one of the major
objectives of the Charter was to make possible long-range planning.

All programs based on that premise require, of course, certain fiscal
coordination. In other words, such proposals finally prompt the question.
"How can they be financed?"

Although there is not on record with this office any official statement
on the subject, it is recognized that various departments of local govern-
ment have developed, or are developing, plans in connection with
current and future problems for their respective departments.

It is respectfully suggested that an endeavor be made toward the
coordination of these departmental plans with the fiscal problem in-
volved.

It is not sufficient to submit piece-meal proposals during the period
of the year when the annual budget is under consideration. Of course,
the problems can be met on a year-to-year basis but — to repeat — the
intent of the Charter is for long-range planning and not for catch-as-
catch-can methods that inevitably follow when the year-to-year basis is
utilized.

Departments should have under development long-range plans for
essential replacements, extensions and improvements to meet future
requirements of our local government. These plans should be coordinated
with a long-range fiscal program. The Controller's office is anxious to
extend to departments the cooperative and collaborative assistance
needed to put long-range planning into effect.

( 16 )

Bond Issues — Debt Service.

In the annual report of last year there was presented in detail certain
phases of the problems which one day must be met if certain capital
expenditures are to be financed. The presentation made in that report
contained two specific recommendations:

First: That no general obligation bond issues be submitted to the
voters for their approval;

Second: That a Charter amendment be submitted to the voters which
would authorize the creation of a "Reserve for Public Improvements
Fund"; that the amount to be placed annually in this fund shall be
the difference between the present requirement for bond interest and
redemption and the reduced requirement for such purposes for each
succeeding fiscal year; that expenditures from this fund be confined
exclusively to public improvements and that a prior authorization from
the voters be obtained before any such expenditure is made.

I believe that these are matters to which the executive, the lesgislative
and the administrative branches of government should give immediate
consideration. And I so recommend.

Inadequacy of Present "Disposition of Refuse" Ordinance.

The existing ordinance governing the disposition of refuse problem
is the result of an initiative measure amended at an election held
November 8, 1932.

Section 16 of the ordinance provides in part as follows:

"During the month of January each year the controller — shall
certify and examine into the rates to the producer for the
collection and disposition of refuse — and — shall report — to the
Board of Supervisors — " etc.

The ordinance does not require collectors of refuse to maintain
records of account and data pertinent thereto in forms sufficient for
verification and rate determination.

The result is that, because of this defect or inadequacy in the ordin-
ance, the Controller is unable to fulfill the implied intent of the
ordinance.

A correction of this condition can only be effected by submitting to
the voters an amendment to Section 16 of the Refuse Collection and
Disposal Ordinance which would make it mandatory that collectors of
refuse maintain, subject to inspection and examination by the Con-
troller, complete records of account and data pertinent thereto in forms
sufficient for verification by the Controller for the purpose of rate fix-
ing and determination.

Until the existing defect is remedied, the Controller is not in a
position to discharge the obligation which, by implication at least, he
is suppose to discharge.

It is recommended that steps be taken tp correct the existing in-
adequacy.

New Procedures.

This year there was installed, jointly by the Purchaser of Supplies
and the Controller, new procedures for the procurement of materials,
supplies and contractual services. Procedures were also installed in
connection with the acquisition, custody and disposition of equipment.
These procedures provide for an investigation of necessity, the formula-
tion of standards, an accurate accounting of custody and the disposition
of "out of service" equipment, or equipment subject to replacement.

Plans are now being made for an adequate accounting of the custody
and disposition of materials and supplies.

We are here entering on a new phase of departmental responsibility.
In the simplest of words:

( 17 )

Money — actual cash — is and always has been adequately safeguarded
and adequately accounted for; materials, supplies and equipment repre-
sent money in a different form. The same adequate control will be
exercised ultimately over this form of tax dollars as is now exercised
over money in the possession of local government.

Conclusion.

The budget for the fiscal year 1938-39 was balanced on a cash basis.
No statement beyond that is necessary to emphasize the soundness of
the finances of the City and County of San Francisco.

The fiscal provisions of the Charter are, in themselves, a safeguard
against fiscal disorder. I am in hearty accord with those safeguards;
and to their rigid enforcement I am committed by my oath of office.

Coordinating Council.

Final passage of Ordinance No. 19.101 on December 27, 1938 created
a commission known as the Coordinating Council to further the co-
operation and coordination among the Public Departments and between
the Public Departments and social agencies in a more effective program
for the youth of San Francisco. The Council has ten members; the
Director of Public Welfare, the Superintendent of Schools, the Chief
of Police, the Chief Probation Officer, the Director of the Buerau of
Child Hygiene Department of Public Health, the Superintendent of the
Recreation Department, the Chief Supervisor of the Public Dance Hall
Committee and three representatives from the Community Chest. On
February 1, 1939 the Council began to function as a part of the municipal
government with offices in the Health Center Building.

The outstanding accomplishment of the Coordinating Council, as
its name implies, is the setting up of a definite schedule of meeting
times when department heads get together to discuss mutual problems
and suggest ways of solving them together. Intangible values in the
form of changed attitudes and relationships have resulted from these
meetings as well as more concrete accomplishments.

A definite decrease in juvenile delinquency has been effected by
the enforcement of the Curfew Ordinance sponsored by the Council
last year. San Francisco now has one of the lowest juvenile delinquency
rates in the country for cities of comparable size. In one special field
of delinquency, auto thefts by minors, the Council secured the co-
operation of the Juvenile Court, School Department and Police Depart-
ment and scheduled 222 talks by police officers in junior and senior
high schools. As a result there has been a marked decrease in the
number of juvenile auto thefts as well as gratifying enthusiasm by
school personnel for a continuance of the talks.

The Council now sponsors, in cooperation with the Police Depart-
ment, the passage of a Bicycle Ordinance to reduce the rapidly in-
creasing number of bicycle thefts and to insure return of stolen
bicycles to the owners when they are recovered. Efforts are also being
made to regulate the sale of salacious literature to minors.

For our underprivileged children the Council has interested the
Boy Scouts, Girl Reserves, etc. in organizing clubs and giving them
the social experience of group meetings. A great deal of work has been
done to develop a summer camp program for these youngsters, many of
whom have never been out of the city. The Council has also acted as
co-sponsor of the N.Y.A. project for the repair and distribution of
toys and the establishment of Toy Loan Centers where children may
borrow toys as one does books from the library.

The Council was instrumental in seeing that a welfare department
was set up during the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure

( 18 )

Island with the result that no serious problems in this field arose on
the Island.

The Coordinating Council feels that its program for the prevention
and reduction of juvenile delinquency and re-direction of the lives
of individual boys and girls has resulted in making these youngsters
an asset rather than a liability to the community. This is a demonstrable
saving of human values as well as a dollars-and-cents saving in the
maintenance of detention homes, corrective institutions and prisons.

The Golden Gate Bridge.

At the inception of the Golden Gate Bridge, many dire prophecies
were made by its opponents that the Bridge could not be built within
the Engineer's estimate of cost, that the amount of traffic which would
use the Bridge would not justify its construction, and that, consequently,
a heavy burden of taxation would fall upon the taxpayers of the District
to meet the deficits sure to occur. The financial success of the Bridge
is of paramount importance to San Francisco for in the event of a
failure by the Bridge District to meet its financial obligation, 85% of
any deficit must be borne by the taxpayers of the City and County of
San Francisco and will necessarily be reflected in its tax rate. This,
therefore, is the reason for including a report on the Golden Gate
Bridge in this message.

After two and a half years of operation, the enterprise, based on
the Bridge District's annual reports, appears to be in a sound financial
condition, with a constantly increasing volume of traffic. The District's
record conclusively refutes the predictions of failure, for the Bridge
was built and put into operation within the Engineer's estimate of cost.
Maintenance and operating costs, all interest charges and a reserve
fund for bond amortization are being covered entirely out of current
revenues.

The Directors and Officers of the Bridge District are to be con-
gratulated that this is being done on an average toll of less than 50
cents per vehicle, contrasted with a toll of 84.3 cents (with a 3%
reduction for reduced fares) represented as the toll that must necessarily
be collected to meet the District's financial requirements. Commutation
rates of 20 cents and 35 cents per vehicle are also in effect, and ap-
promixately 17*4% of the Bridge travel at this time is commutation
traffic, yielding about 8.7% of the total revenue from traffic. Since the
opening of the Bridge on May 27, 1937, more than 10,000,000 vehicles
of all classifications have passed over it, carrying between 25,000,000
to 30,000,000 persons.

During the period since the opening of the Bridge, savings to patrons
in tolls and time (time saved at 25<£ an hour) compared to ferry tolls
formerly paid, have amounted to approximately $12,000,000, or more
than one third of the entire cost of the Bridge construction, including
administration costs, bond interest, legal expenses, engineering fees etc.,
during more than four years of construction.

Over 360,000 government owned vehicles and private vehicles of army
and naval personnel and their dependents have passed toll free over the
Bridge, which, if computed at the regular toll charged the public, con-
stitutes an indirect tax of over $180,000, a relatively small portion
being directly beneficial to the government, and the remainder being
direct benefits to army and naval personnel and their dependents cross-
ing the Bridge while occupied in private business or social engagements.

In addition, the Federal Government is now attempting to increase
this indirect tax through court action to require the Bridge District to
extend toll-free privileges to all federal governmental employees. I
recommend that vigorous action be taken at once to prevent this very
apparent abuse of toll-free privileges, not directly beneficial to the
government.

( 19 )

Since opening, Bridge traffic has been seriously inconvenienced and
curtailed by lack of adequate approaches.

About April 1, 1940, the Funston Avenue approach, built jointly by
the State and City, is expected to be completed, and will materially
improve traffic conditions on the San Francisco side, not only for
vehicles going to and from the Bridge, but the approach will afford a
quick connection between the Marina and the Richmond Districts.

There yet remains the widening of Lombard Street, now included as
a part of the City's street improvement program, and the construction
of a tunnel under Russian Hill, to provide complete approaches for safe,
rapid traffic to and from the Bridge on this side.

The present congested condition of traffic on Lombard Street is
hazardous and it is imperative that the condition be relieved by prompt
execution of the City's program for widening and improving this,
thoroughfare.

The constantly increasing volume of Bridge traffic, as well as traffic
between the Western Addition and downtown section, justifies a
thorough study of the proposed construction of the Russian Hill tunnel
and of its importance in the City's system of streets.

On the Marin side heavy trucks and buses are seriously penalized by
increased cost of operation over the steep Waldo grade, and the con-
stantly increasing number of such heavy, slow-moving vehicles slows
all travel down and often creates congestion and consequently, danger
of accident.

The Bridge District and the Federal Government have expended
approximately $700,000 on that portion of the Lateral from its inter-
section near the north bridgehead with the Waldo approach, to the Fort
Baker gate. The State of California has expended approximately $600,000
in construction of a modern four-lane highway southerly from the Waldo
Wye into Sausalito, and there now remains the closing of the gap
between these two pieces of road upon which approximately $1,300,000
have been expended, and which are largely useless because not connected
in a manner to accommodate the type of traffic that can best benefit by
using this approach.

It is urged upon the Governor, the State Department of Public Works,
the Bridge Directors, Federal Bureau of Public Roads, members of
Congress and members of the Legislature, that every effort be made
to find a way by which the Sausalito Lateral connection can be financed
and constructed. I cannot place too much emphasis on the importance
of the Sausalito Lateral connection as offering a safer, faster and more
economical route for heavy trucks and buses into San Francisco from
the north. The easier grade will encourage farmers to haul the products
of their farms into San Francisco and give them direct contact with the
local markets. Also, through such direct contact, a better and more
friendly understanding of each other and of each other's problems will
occur and will aid materially in the City's program of creating goodwill
between the City and the country. Heavily laden trucks carrying
merchandise from the City's warehouses to the merchants throughout
northern California will also benefit and hauling charges will be lower
as operating costs of trucks are decreased.

The financial success of the Bridge and the lowering of tolls can
only come through increased travel, and the surest way to stimulate
Bridge travel is by approaches adequate to carry a constantly increasing
number of vehicles safely and rapidly.

During the past year the number of vehicles crossing the Golden
Gate Bridge was more than twice the number carried during any year
by the ferries between San Francisco and Sausalito ; with proper Bridge
approaches, this number would unodubtedly have been much greater.

In addition to the saving of time and money to the Bridge patrons,
we must not lose sight of the economic value of the Golden Gate Bridge

( 20 )

and of its importance, together with the other bay bridges in uniting
more closely the various centers of population around the Bay.

Goodwill and tolerance are created as the people are drawn more
closely together through their inter-related community problems. As
we share these common problems, our interests are quickened and our
vision broadened to a point where we are all striving for the develop-
ment of the great metropolis now made possible by these bridges, having
an area of roughly 100 miles square, and a population of more than a
million people. Not until this metropolitan development has been accom-
plished, can it be said that San Francisco has fulfilled its destiny as a
great city.

The following is a resume of the District's traffic and revenue for
the twelve months, December 1, 1938 to November 30, 1939:

Total Revenue $2,076,565.49

Expenses-Operating, Repairs & Depreciation....? 515,281.70

Interest on Bonds 1,519,500.00 2,034,781.70

Net Income* $ 41,783.79

Traffic
Passenger Autos

Cash tolls— 50^ $2,954,803.00

Commute — 20^

Commute —35^ 732,967.00 $3,687,770.00

Autos with trailers 16,629

Motorcycles and Tricars 8,231

Busses 46,095

Trucks 308,506

Total Toll Vehicles 4,067,231

Non-revenue Government Vehicles 182,202

Total Vehicles 4,249,433

Bus Passengers 877,100

Extra Passengers 559,710

Pedestrians 34,082

♦Before providing for sinking fund for redemption of bonds. First
maturity July 1, 1942, $200,000.

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

The start on January 15, 1939, of electric interurban service over
the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge marked another step in this
City's transportation progress. For the first time San Francisco was
connected by rapid transit with her neighboring cities on the easterly
shore of the Bay.

Some 70,000 persons now leave and depart every week-day through
the spacious and modern Terminal at Mission and First Streets. These
not only enjoy reduced time schedules in comparison to the ferry
system and the conveniences of a "through" service across the Bay,
but they have been given, in part, lowered transportation costs since
the strategic location of the Terminal brings more than half of the
passengers to within walking distance of their destinations. Savings
are thereby provided of from ten to fourteen cents per day, per person.

Further reductions of transportation costs into San Francisco were
put into effect during the year with the lowering of vehicular tolls
across the Bay Bridge.

Passenger automobiles enjoyed two successive reductions. Rates for

( 21 )

automobiles were lowered June 24 from fifty cents to forty cents, and a
second reduction put into effect January 1, 1940, when tolls were
changed from forty cents to thirty-five cents.

When it is considered that slightly more than three years ago
motorists were paying an average of seventy-eight cents to cross the
Bay via vehicular ferry, the benefits San Francisco is enjoying as a
result of this great engineering achievement are obvious. It is estimated
that the Bay Bridge has saved transbay motorists more than $10,-
000,000 through reduced tolls.

Trucks, motorcycles, and tri-cars are other types of vehicles en-
joying lowered rates as a result of the January 1 changes.

Some 30,000,000 vehicles have crossed the Bay Bridge since it opened
November 12, 1936, with 1939 traffic topping the preceding years. Total
number of vehicles using the Bridge last year approximated 11,000,000.
The Exposition played an important part in developing this traffic,
with an estimated 2,000,000 vehicles carried directly over the span to
Treasure Island. Some 44 percent of the total number of paid admission
visitors to the Exposition were carried by the Bridge.

Chief Engineer C. H. Purchell has estimated that freight tonnage
across the Bay carried by trucks has increased forty percent since the
Bridge opened. In the twelve months — November 12, 1938, to November
12, 1939 — the Bridge carried 578,500 tons of freight, exclusive of
Treasure Island freight, which was estimated at 140,000 tons. The
vehicular ferries carried 236,700 tons or a combined total of 815,200
tons. In the twelve months prior to the opening of the Bridge, the total
transbay freight tonnage was some 584,000 tons.

Although more than 28,000,000 vehicles has crossed the Bridge by
November 12, 1939, there were only 175 accidents on the Bridge
structure to that time, constituting a fine safety record.

The Bay Bridge has carried approximately 90,000,000 persons, in-
cluding interurban passengers, since its opening through 1939, or more
than eighty percent of the population of the United States.

Not only is the span the greatest of all bridges in size and engineer-
ing accomplishment but, according to 1938 figures, it tops all toll
bridges in revenues, and is exceeded in traffic only by the Triborough
and Delaware River Bridges.

Citizens of San Francisco may well feel that the faith they invested
in the future benefits of the Bridge has been justified and repaid many
fold.

Federal Projects.

U. S. Post Office Rincon Annex, San Francisco, located at Mission
and Spear Streets, is now under construction, 30% completed; time
limit for occupancy is July 27, 1940. Under contract with George A.
Fuller Company, $1,735,589. Shepard Elevator Company has the con-
tract for elevators, at an additional cost of $135,677.

U. S. Coast Guard Air Station, Mills Field, consists of a group of
buildings including hangar, now under construction, to be completed
July 26, 1940, at a cost of $511,396. The work is about 30% complete.

In connection with problems of surface drainage at this Station,
causing concern to the Washington officials, the Mayor's good offices
promptly straightened out the difficulty.

Alcatraz Penitentiary: There are at present five contracts under
construction: (1) For Housing Group, to be completed July 11, 1940,
at a cost of $283,500. (2) To construct a new Dock, to be completed
May 16, 1940, at a cost of $116,800. (3) Industrial Building is under
contract, at a cost of $187,602.07, now 28% complete; building ready
for occupancy May 3, 1940. (4) New Power House is being constructed

( 22 )

at a cost of $218,088 and is now 86% complete. (5) New Utility Pipe
Lines are being installed at a cost of $189,046, now practically completed.

Renovation of the Old U. S. Mint at the corner of Fifth and Mission
Streets, under contract in amount $17,793, to be completed January 22,
1940. This work includes the transfer of laboratory equipment in the
present Appraisers Stores Building at Sansome and Washington to the
Old Mint Building, being remodeled for the temporary use (during
construction of the new building) of the Bureau of Customs, Bureau
of Mines, Bureau of Animal Industry, Bureau of Standards, Shipping
Commissioner, Coast and Geodetic Survey, Coast Guard Recruiting,
Public Health Service Out-Patient Office.

New U. S. Mint, Market and Duboce, miscellaneous interior improve-
ments, and improvements to exterior parking area and drainage of
driveway, $11,077; work now in progress.

San Francisco Post Office and Court House: An appropriation has been
made available and plans are being completed for improvements to this
building, including new elevators.

San Francisco Appraisers Stores and Immigration Station: The old
Appraisers Building is to be removed and the new building located on
the present site at Sansome and Washington Streets. Bids were opened
in Washington December 10th. Clinton Construction Company lowest
bidder. Their bid for 15 stories is $3,814,000. Westinghouse Electric
Elevator Company submitted low bid for complete elevator plant,
$345,100. The present appropriation limit of cost is $4,250,000. for
this building.

U. S. Quarantine Station: An appropriation of $300,000 was made
some time ago for a new Quarantine Station in San Francisco. It was
hoped that a suitable site would be made available within the limits of
the Presidio, but the matter is still pending.

Board of Education.

The past year in the San Francisco Public Schools has witnessed
a realization of the major public school building program, increased
recognition on the part of school authorities in vocational training and
the granting of salary increments to veteran teachers in the higher
brackets of the salary schedule, as recommended by the Citizens' Com-
mittee in 1930. The substantial accomplishments made in the field of
education have been made possible by the harmonious effective school
administration under Superintendent Joseph P. Nourse, which administra-
tion has inspired public confidence and suport so necessary to success-
ful operation of any far-flung enterprise, such as public education.

With the coming of the Fall 1940 school term, San Francisco will
open the doors of the first permanent buildings of the San Francisco
Junior College at Balboa Park— a science building of reinforced con-
crete stretching 490 feet north and south facing Phelan Avenue,
an average of 112 feet wide and three stories high. The building has
three large wings to the east facing towards San Jose Avenue. In
addition to the main building separate modern gymnasiums for men
and women students are in course of construction on the west end of
the 47 acre site. The three buildings represent an investment of $1,-
744,311. Actually, these buildings are self-liquidating, in that their
original cost is refunded annually in savings to two thousand parents
who are spared the expense of sending their young people away from
home during the first two years of their college careers.

The San Francisco Junior College, founded in 1935, is now temporarily
housed in 19 different locations. It is the forty-first institution of
like grade to be established in the State of California, which in recent
years has recognized its obligation to go beyond the compulsory high
school level of training into the fields of collegiate grade. The courses

( 23 )

in the Junior College, organized by President A. J. Cloud, have a two-
fold purpose — to train young men and women for employment in pro-
fitable pursuits in the workaday world, and to prepare students to
successfully complete the third and fourth years of work offered by the
University of California and other institutions of like collegiate grade.
An outstanding example of the successful terminal courses offered by the
Junior College is that of the Hotel and Restaurant Management Division,
every graduate of which is now employed in some hotel or restaurant
industry. Prior to the establishment of the Junior College in 1935 in
San Francisco, our young people seeking this type of public education
went to schools in Marin, San Mateo and other California counties.
In addition to the personal costs borne by the family of each student,
the general tuition costs amounting in excess of $100,000 each year
were charged back to the County of San Francisco in the case of non-
resident students.

Popularity of the Junior College among our citizens, as evidenced
by the large registrations in the first five years of its existence, is a
definite mandate to complete all units of the college at Balboa Park
at the earliest possible date. The most urgent construction next needed
will be the erection of the classroom buildings which will adjoin the
present science building.

The Junior College buildings now under construction are part of
the eight million dollar general building program of the school depart-
ment, five and a half million of which is represented by buildings
now under construction. The present building fund in excess of five
million dollars is made up of $1,540,000 representing 55 per cent of
the bond issue of $2,800,000 voted in 1938. The balance of $1,335,000
is revenue from short term bonds. In addition there was appropriated
from tax funds $1,362,000 which the federal government matched with
a 45 per cent contribution making approximately $2,448,000 available
to the total fund.

Practically every section of this city has benefited from improved
public school facilities during the past year. Most important of these
improvements apart from the new Junior College, is the new Abraham
Lincoln Senior High School located between 22nd and 24th Avenues,
Quintara and Santiago Streets, now in the course of construction.
Completion of the Abraham Lincoln High School, the ninth public
senior high school in San Francisco, will satisfy the long felt want
for secondary school facilities in the outer Parkside and Sunset areas.
Specifically, it will terminate the practice of students traveling long
distances to reach Balboa or Polytechnic High Schools. In the outer
Mission area a new junior high school, the James Denman, located
between Onondaga and Oneida, Otsego and Delano Avenues, is being
erected adjoining the Balboa High School at Onondaga and Cayuga
Avenues, which has been in use since 1927. Both these new schools will
be ready for occupancy for the Fall 1940 term.

It was my pleasure to attend the dedication of the auditorium unit
which completed the new Lawton Elementary School at 30th Avenue
and Lawton Streets. This school is one of the most modern in the
United States and replaced portable wooden buildings which are fast
disappearing from the school scene. Residents of the Visitacion Valley
district now possess a completely new modern fireproof school at
Visitacion Avenue and Schwerin Street as a result of the occupancy
of the new kindergarten unit of the school which was opened in
October 1939. The Portola Junior High School on Girard Street between
Bacon and Brussells Streets, has also been improved by the erection
of an auditorium addition to the building. Within a few weeks the new
auditorium addition will be finished at Bay and Fillmore Streets,
completing that school plant. In the outer Richmond district workmen
have completed that school plant. In the outer Richmond district
workmen have completed a new gymnasium and athletic field addition
to the modern George Washington senior high school located at ^2nd

( 24 )

Avenue at Anza Street. In the course of construction now is the new
George Washington auditorium which will complete the building.

In the outer Sunset district, the Francis Scott Key Elementary
School kindergarten unit is now ready for occupancy, and the new
modern auditorium will be occupied this month.

At Lowell High School, Hayes Street and Masonic Avenue, work
is under way on a gymnasium building for girls which will be completed
and ready for occupancy during the Fall 1940 term. Previously a boys'
gymnasium addition was completed as an addition to the main school
plant. Another of the older high schools — Mission High, at 18th and
Dolores Streets, boasts an important addition to its plant — an athletic
field on property to the north of the school building. At Horace Mann
Junior High School, 23rd and Valencia Streets, the school plant is
being modernized by the erection of a combination gymnasium and
cafeteria.

A growing concern has been evidenced by our school authorities over
the vocational problems involved in present day education. Superin-
tendent Nourse recently returned from a survey of schools in all parts
of the United States. His report on this subject shows that, even with
recent improvements in trade and vocational education, San Francisco
is far from meeting the demands of present day youth in trade and
industrial training. True, we have been operating for the past three
years a new trades school — the Samuel Gompers, and a second wing
is now being added to this building at 22nd and Bartlett Streets. This
is a step in the right direction, as witness the endorsement this training
has received by both employer and organized employee groups.

After a study lasting more than a year, the Board of Education
voted last May to permit veteran teachers to advance beyond the
previously fixed maximums, as recommended in 1930 by the Citizens'
Committee for the Study of Teachers' Salaries. Approximately 1425
teachers were effected by this upward revision of salary schedule. In
estimating maximum salaries for school teachers, it should be re-
membered that the entrance salary at the elementary level is $1500
annually, and the maximum salary is not attained for 15 years. When
we consider that the annual salary increments were inoperative for
many years, the average salary of many teachers over the 15 year
period is less than that of the janitor in the same school building.

It was my pleasure to renominate Philip Lee Bush for a third term
as a member of the Board of Education, beginning in January of this
year. The overwhelming approval given to this nomination by the
citizens at the election in November indicates that they are keenly
appreciative of the effective service rendered by him, in common with
the other valued members.

Police Department.

In reviewing the activities of the San Francisco Police Department
for the fiscal year 1938-39, we find that while the demands made upon
the Department were abnormal because of the Golden Gate Inter-
national Exposition, with a resultant increase in the city's population
and corresponding increase in police problems, there was nevertheless
a gratifying decrease in crime generally as compared with the previous
year.

Inasmuch as the Golden Gate International Exposition was our
greatest added problem during the year just passed, before drawing
your attention to certain interesting statistics I wish to briefly outline
the problems it brought with it, our method of handling those problems
and the results attained.

When plans for the Exposition were laid, it was decided that the
responsibility of policing the grounds would fall to the San Francisco

( 25 )

Police Department. It was expected that the Exposition would draw
thousands of visitors to San Francisco and the Bay Region. This meant
an added burden of responsibility in protecting lives and property
against criminals and in handling the increased flow of traffic. It was
expected also that with the tourists and Exposition visitors would
come criminals of all types who would expect to reap a golden harvest
by preying on the pleasure-bent crowds.

To supplement the San Francisco Police Department, the appoint-
ment of fifty temporary patrolmen was authorized. These appointments
were effective on February 1st, 1939, to continue for the duration of
the Exposition. The men were put through a brief but intensive training
course to prepare them for their police duties and, when the Exposition
was opened, they were placed on radio patrol car duty to relieve men
selected for duty on Treasure Island.

Despite this increase in the numerical strength of the Department,
our man-power was not in proportion to the number of citizens who
must be protected. It was necessary, in order to keep this numerical
strength as near normal as possible, to so arrange vacation periods
that no more than fifty men would be on leave at any one time during
the year. By commencing vacation periods in January and continuing
through December, this was done.

Further anticipating the demands of the Exposition year, as early
as 1937 first steps had been taken to organize peace officers in the Bay
Region into a closely knit unit to combat any attempts of national or
international criminals to operate here. Letters had been sent to
metropolitan police all over the world asking for photographs, descrip-
tions and modus operandi of all known confidence men, pickpockets
and other criminals who might be drawn to San Francisco. The Bureau
of Identification of the San Francisco Police Department worked tire-
lessly for months compiling all this data and enlarging photographs
of particularly well-known thieves to be placed on public display in the
Treasure Island Police Station. Also, much publicity was given to the
fact that any law violators arrested in San Francisco or on Treasure
Island who were found to have a previous criminal record woud be
publicly "shown up" to police, guards, guides and the general public.
This publicity served to discourage many criminals — especially when
on numerous occasions such public show-ups were held. It is interesting
to know that many criminals were picked up in San Francisco and
Treasure Island before they even had attempted to operate and as a
result of the preparations and publicity, our San Francisco Golden
Gate International Exposition was unspoiled by a wave of kidnapping
and confidence games victimizing visitors.

During the entire period of the Exposition there were only 15 reports
of picked pockets on Treasure Island and in several instances it was
found that the complainant was mistaken in his report that his pocket
had been picked. There were only 4 complaints of purse snatching.
In all, there were only 248 offenses of a criminal nature reported to
the Treasure Island police and 113 of that number were petty theft
complaints.

A police station, manned by a full company, was built and put into
operation on Treasure Island. A personnel of 97 — including 2 patrol
wagon drivers and 2 matrons — was assigned to Treasure Island and
on days of special events this force was supplemented by both uniformed
and plain clothes officers.

For a week preceding the opening of the Exposition, San Francisco
was in Fiesta with costumed celebrants thronging the streets. It was
expected that attempts at crimes of violence might be made, but the
week passed without any increase in crime of any kind.

During the life of the Exposition 10,492,549 people passed through
its gates and 1,325,190 vehicles. That the San Francisco Police Depart-
ment handled these throngs without any major crimes and that so few

( 26 )

offenses were reported is a record of which we are genuinely proud
and which we do not believe can be equalled anywhere. It meant many
personal sacrifices on the part of our personnel, with long hours of
extra duty and many cancellations of days off, but the task was carried
out to a successful conclusion.

The record of achievement in San Francisco proper kept pace with
that of Treasure Island. There was no increase in crime of any type
in San Francisco and actually a decrease, as proved by the following
statistics:

The total crimes against property for the fiscal year 1938-39 were
5.25% less than the average total for crimes against property for the
fiscal years 1930-31 to 1938-39, and 7.18% less than the total crimes
against property during the fiscal year 1937-38.

The total number of major offenses against persons and property for
the fiscal year 1938-39 is 3.86% less than the average number of major
offenses against persons and property for the fiscal years 1930-1931 to
1938-1939, and is 6.40% less than the total number of major offenses
against persons and property for the fiscal year 1937-38. The crimes of
murder, manslaughter and burglary are fewer for the fiscal year 1938-
39 than for the average for these crimes during the period included in
the fiscal years 1930-31 to 1938-39.

Property losses are $265,587.06 less than in the fiscal year 1937-38
and $29,216.01 less than the average loss for the past ten years. Thus,
the property loss for the fiscal year 1938-39 is 39.78% less than the
average loss for the past ten fiscal years and 6.78% less than the
property loss for the fiscal year 1937-38.

We are proud to say that San Francisco has added another year to
her record of having had no bank robberies. There was one attempt
on the part of an insane person, who committed suicide when arrested.
In their prompt response to alarm when this bank holdup was
attempted, the San Francisco police worked with their usual efficiency
which has won for our city such an enviable record for safety against
bank bandits.

The average number of automobile thefts for the fiscal years 1929-30
to 1938-39 is 3,863. The number of such thefts for the fiscal year 1938-39
is 2,600— a decrease of 32.70%. In the fiscal year 1938-39 the total
decrease in automobile thefts as compared with the fiscal year 1937-38
was 1,105, representing a decrease of 29.83% in this class of thefts.
San Francisco police recovered 99.5% of the automobiles reported to
them as stolen during the fiscal year 1938-39, which is a remarkable
record.

In comparing the record of San Francisco with that of the entire
Pacific Coast and the entire nation, we find that San Francisco leads
in a reduction of thefts generally. It is interesting to compare these
records as follows:

Crime San Francisco Pacific Coast National

Theft 2.6% decrease 1.8% increase 0.4% increase

Auto Theft 24.6% decrease 5.9% increase 8.0% decrease

Crimes against

property 4.8% decrease 4.1% increase 3.7% decrease

San Francisco has, during the past year, waged a great battle against
traffic accidents, with gratifying results. Early in 1939, with the co-
operation of the Safety Division of the International Association of
Chiefs of Police, a Traffic Accident Prevention Bureau was established
in the San Francisco Police Department. The Bureau has not functioned
long enough to produce statistics testifying to its efficiency, but already,
with records showing increases in number of arrests for traffic violations,
there is indication that through careful investigations fixing responsi-

( 27 )

bility for accidents and vigorous prosecution of the responsible parties,
accidents will in time be reduced appreciably. Already, in June of 1939
there was a 7.2% cut in insurance rates due to the reduction in traffic
accidents. Records show, however, a gratifying reduction in traffic
fatalities during the year just passed. Comparing figures for the fiscal
year 1938-39 with those for 1937-38 we find that negligent manslaughter
cases, arising from traffic accidents, decreased 20.6%. Traffic deaths
were 101 in 1938-39 as against 122 in 1937-38. In passing we might add
that in January of 1939 the Philip May Garland trophy for traffic
safety was awarded to San Francisco as the California city having the
best record.

The School Traffic Patrol is credited with carrying through another
banner year without a single school child fatality at a school crossing.

Altogether, the record of the San Francisco Police Department for the
year 1938-39 is an enviable one and one of which the city can well be
proud. It testifies to the splendid organization and high morale of the
personnel and even betters the splendid record maintained by the
Department through the years.

Fire Department.

During the first eleven months of the year 1939, the San Francisco
Fire Department responded to 8413 alarms, an increase of 743 over the
same period of the previous year.

Included therein were 57 second alarms, 21 third alarms, and 3
fourth alarms. These figures do not include the 206 alarms originating
from Treasure Island, the site of the Golden Gate International Ex-
position.

The increase of alarms of fire was unquestionably clue to the accelera-
tion of industrial and building activities throughout the City, and can
be considered as in line with the normal development of the City.

In harmony with its long established tradition, the fire department
functioned smoothly and effectively during the past year, meeting
every emergency with prompt action and obtained very gratifying
results throughout.

In addition to the regular duties of protecting the City from fire,
the San Francisco Fire Department was also charged with the duty
of protecting the Golden Gate International Exposition, and for this
purpose 77 additional firemen, from the regular civil service eligible
list were employed and seven pieces of new apparatus were purchased,
which, after the completion of the Fair will become part of the regular
equipment of the Department.

Seasoned officers and men were selected from the regular forces for
duty on the Fair Grounds, and the newly appointed men were dis-
tributed throughout the City to relieve them. Two fire stations, com-
pletely equipped, were furnished by the Exposition management, and
additional quarters for the crew of one of the two fireboats was provided
in one of the exposition palaces.

During the period of the Exposition the fire forces on the Fair site
were called to 206 alarms, but in each instance their prompt response
resulted in keeping the losses down so low that in not a single instance
were any claims made for insurance.

This, in view of the temporary type of construction employed on
all excepting four of the exposition buildings, is, I believe, a record
unequalled by any Exposition of similar magnitude, and one of which
the fire department may well be proud.

Civil Service Commission.

This department is charged with a most important function of our
government — that of administering the civil service provisions of the
Charter. During the past year, the Commission has substantially com-
pleted the reorganization of its duties and personnel, which has made
possible savings in its operating expense of $15,000 per year for each
of the past two years. As a part of its reorganization program, the
Commission has raised standards for admission to examinations and
has revised and modernized its testing techniques and procedures. The
examinations themselves have been broadened to cover wider areas of
knowledge and abilities. These improved policies and methods of ad-
ministration are recruiting into the service of the San Francisco govern-
ment a highly qualified personnel.

The Commission has also carried on with its regular staff and at no
expense to the city an intensive public relations program through
which information concerning the activities and the work of the Com-
mission is brought to civic groups, organizations, and citizens interested
in the affairs of government. I believe that much benefit to our govern-
ment will come from this program.

During the year, at the suggestion of the Civil Service Commission,
the Board of Education established two-year courses of instruction at
the San Francisco Junior College through which young people are
trained for specific types of employment in the San Francisco public
service. The examination schedules of the Civil Service Commission
will be coordinated insofar as possible with these courses. The establish-
ment of these courses at the Junior College has been recognized as a
real contribution and an example of constructive cooperation in fields
of public personnel administration and public education.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1939, the Commission announced
and completed 94 examinations for which 15,041 applications were
filed. There were in progress at the close of the fiscal year and since
completed 17 examinations for which 2,434 applications were filed.
The Commission at the close of the fiscal year had certified 1,037
employees to permanent positions and 2,467 employees to temporary
positions.

The activities of the Civil Service Commission have been conducted
on a high plane of efficiency and integrity.

Employees' Retirement System.

The Retirement System included 12,136 employees at June 30, 1939.
During the fiscal year ending on that date, 182 members were retired
because of age or disability and 102 active members died. Many of the
positions thus vacated were not filled. During 1938-39, 130 retired
persons died, and on June 30, 1939, there were 1,867 persons receiving
allowances under the Retirement System, this number including aged
and disabled members retired from the several departments and also
retired firemen and policemen, and their widows, where retirement
allowances were continued to them or death resulted while in per-
formance of duty.

The administration of the State Compensation Insurance Law, as it
affects all city employees, is centralized under the Retirement Board.
Reports of all injuries among approximately 13,000 employees are made
to the Retirement Office and claims are adjusted and benefits paid in
accordance with the State law and Charter, the City and County acting
as self-insurer in relation to all employees. During the fiscal year 1938-
39, 888 compensation cases were handled, under which either weekly
benefits or medical expenses were paid. Approximately 1,537 additional
cases were handled which were not of sufficient severity to qualify

( 29 )

for compensation benefits of any kind. The investments of the Retire-
ment Fund at June 30, 1939, totaled $23,860,986 as against $21,635,892
as of June 30, 1938.

Assessor.

As the result of a program of modernization, the Assessor's office has
been physically remodeled for the convenience of the public and staff.
The most modern office equipment has been installed. The problem of
personnel, the third step in this program, to make the Assessor's office
a model, governmental unit is now being studied.

In the interest of maintaining adequate revenue for the city and the
assurance of all taxpayers as to the fairness of their assessments, the
Assessor is engaged in a city-wide survey and inventory of all taxable
property. When this is completed, facts and figures will show that cer-
tain districts have improved and assessments should be increased, while
other districts have depreciated and should be correspondingly reduced.
In its entirety the completed survey will serve to satisfy the tax-paying
public, the Assessor, and the City Administration, that all assessed
values are fair and equitable.

In connection with this survey the Civil Service Commission recently
gave permanent tenure to seventeen appraisers and auditors who had
been working on this task for the past two years. With the task about
40 per cent completed it appears that this situation of verified equit-
able assessments may demand a greater number of appraisers and
auditors. It is believed, however, that increased efficiency in procedure
will offset the additional cost entailed.

Summarized Comparison of Assessment Rolls.

Property assessed by the Assessor:

Tangible Property: 1939-40 1938-39

Real Estate and Improvements $665,628,793 $664,295,898

Personal Property —

Secured and unsecured 74,853,927 78,005,290

$740,482,720 $742,301,188
Less, veterans' exemptions 6,777,349 6,543,924

$733,705,371 $735,757,264

Intangible Property:

Solvent credits (10c per $100) $120,635,532 $121,647,347

Property assessed by State Board of
Equalization:

Tangible Property:

Real Estate and Improvements $ 56,830,960 $ 57,298,680

Personal Property 30,765,680 30,932,540

$ 87,596,640 $ 88,231,220

Intangible Property:

Solvent credits (10c per $100) $ 42,077,030 $ 26,265,410

Total Property subject to

City and County Taxes $984,014,573 $971,901,241

( 30 )

Office of the Treasurer.

The audit by the Controller at the end of the fiscal year 1938-1939
showed the cash and cash accounts exactly correct. An independent
audit was made of the securities of the Retirement System and found
that they were intact with all interest coupons attached thereto.

All laws, including Federal, relating to county treasurers are man-
datory and must be complied with in every detail. At the last session
of the Legislature, the Public Deposit Act of the State of California
was amended to provide for any changes that may be made during the
next two years by Congress in the Federal Reserve Act of 1935 as
amended.

Changes were also made in the Inheritance Tax Act. A new law was
enacted to clean up dead accounts on treasurers' books that have been
dormant for ten years or more. The cash balance in the Stockton Street
Tunnel District Assessment Fund was under this law transferred to
the General Fund.

There are 159 accounts on the daily cash balance sheet. There are a
great number of other accounts on the Treasurer's books relating to
bond interest, street assessments, and other items relating to the state
government that are not carried on the daily cash balance. P.W.A.
and W.P.A. accounts are kept under the supervision and audit of the
Federal Government.

Cash on hand June 30, 1939, $23,998,014.66. Cash received during
fiscal year $80,981,807.11. Cash disbursed $78,416,257.72. Total cash
$159,398,064.83. Journal transfers bookkeeping items $105,406,716.52.

The office pays monthly about 11,000 pensioners of all classes, and
about 6,000 on relief. There are about 13,100 municipal employees who,
with the exception of the certified school teachers, are paid semi-
monthly.

Office costs are kept to the minimum. It costs almost exactly 24c to
handle $1,000.00, which includes receiving, paying, and all accounting
connected therewith. The office force is efficient and courteous to the
public.

Sheriff.

The Sheriff of the City and County of San Francisco outlines the
following activities for 1939:

Receipts.

County Commissions, fees and mileage, $31,242.03; Cash receipts
under writs of attachment, executions, fee deposits by plaintiffs, and
cash deposits by defendants in lieu of undertakings on release of
attachments, etc., $256,272.11; Sales of Personal Property after deduc-
tion of County Commission and fees, $20,473.04; Sales of Real Prop-
erty, $16,290.49; total $324,277.67.

Process and Papers Filed and Issued.

A classified list of all process and papers filed and issued, follows:
Bonds (Personal and Surety) 52; Claims of Exemption-Notice of Pre-
ferred Claims, Releases, Third Party Claims, 1649; Claims and Delivery
and Writs of Replevin, 102; Miscellaneous, 247; Notices, 353; Orders
of Arrest, 104; Orders of Examination, 23; Orders to Show Cause, 217;
Subpoena, 157; Summons (Civil Actions) 2450; Writs of Attachment
(Personal Property) 7618; Writs of Attachment (Real Property) 236;
Writs of Execution (Personal Property) 7613; Writs of Execution
(Real Property) 101; Writs of Possession, 236; Certificates (Issued)
62; Deeds (Issued) 11; total 21,231.

Under and pursuant to such Writs of Attachment, and Writs of

( 31 )

Execution, most of the personal property levied upon consists in the
form of garnishments. However, under that type of Writs, including
Claim and Delivery and Writs of Replevin, the following personal
property sales were consummated:

Number of Sales, 110; Amount $20,473.04.

The process under and pursuant to which these so-called evictions
are made is termed "Writ of Possession" and will hereinafter he
referred to by that name and will be enumerated under the classified
list of process captioned: Writs of Possession received or filed, 243;
Possession to Plaintiff, 156; Unexecuted, 67; Number of forcible evic-
tions, 20.

County Jail — Number I, 2, 3 and 4.

The monthly average population of inmates confined in all San
Francisco County Jails for the fiscal year July 1, 1938 to June 30, 1939,
both dates inclusive, was 700.7 ; the total for the 12 months, 8,487.1.

There were 433 Federal male and 35 Federal female prisoners re-
ceived during this period with a daily average of 40.

The total amount received from the United States Government for
maintenance and subsistence of Federal Prisoners for the fiscal year
July 1, 1938 to June 30, 1939 was $10,876.80.

During the calendar year of 1939 there were 721 male patients and
481 female patients transported from the Detention Hospital to various
state institutions. From our County Jails 200 male and 16 female
prisoners were transported to state penitentiaries and other correc-
tional institutions during this same period. All surplus money received
from this source is deposited with the Treasurer of the City and County
of San Franicsco by the Sheriff.

At the request of the Sheriff, Ordinance 7061, Bill 860 was drafted
and approved on January 13, 1936. This Ordinance established County
Jail stores to be maintained for the convenience of prisoners and under
this procedure should there be any profit it would be deposited with
the Treasurer for the benefit of the taxpayers of the City and County
of San Francisco. These stores are under the direct supervision of the
Sheriff and with minimum prices on all commodities sold in the stores
the profit for the last fiscal year amounted to $5,232.56.

Public Utilities Commission.

San Francisco's municipal utilities showed gratifying results in im-
provement of service and profitable operation during the past year.
I refer briefly in the following paragraphs to the operation of indi-
vidual utilities during 1939.

Municipal Railway.

The Municipal Railway at the close of this calendar year had com-
pleted its twenty-seventh year of operation. During the past year in
which the Golden Gate International Exposition opened and in which
operation over the bay bridge loop was inaugurated, the transportation
facilities of the Municipal Railway were taxed to the utmost, but the
best possible service under trying conditions was furnished to visitors
and residents of San Francisco. The rate of fare has remained un-
changed at 5 cents with free transfer privilege, and based on an
average fare of 8.33 cents throughout the United States means a saving
of over $2,800,000 for the year to patrons of the Municipal Railway.

Revenues exceeded any previous year in the railway's history. Oper-
ating revenue for the year 1939 amounted to $4,303,105, an increase of
$527,260 or approximately 14 per cent over the preceding year. This
continued increase in street car riding for the sixth successive year is

( 32 )

gratifying and can be attributed to travel to the Golden Gate Inter-
national Exposition and the higher fare charged by the larger of the
two competing privately-owned street railways operating in San Fran-
cisco. The rate of fare in effect since January 1, 1939 by this competing
company was 7 cents with a free transfer privilege.

In conformity with its policy of placing profits back into the system
in the form of increased service, the Public Utilities Commission has
established new motor coach lines into the Miraloma Park, Sunset,
Bayshore and Telegraph Hill districts. Street car service on line "M,"
the Ocean View line, has been replaced by motor coaches resulting in
improved service. The Eureka-Diamond motor coach line was extended
to Twenty-fourth Street and South Van Ness Avenue, serving the
Mission district. Twelve new buses were purchased for these lines and
funds have been appropriated for 20 more at a cost of $180,000.

Construction was commenced on the new Howard Street trolley coach
line which will operate from Army Street and South Van Ness Avenue
to Beale and Howard Streets. This line will furnish the Mission district
with direct transportation at 5 cents to the downtown district. The
total cost will amount to approximately $228,000, including $116,000
for nine trolley coaches.

No decisive results were achieved by the city's efforts to secure the
services of Mr. C. H. Purcell, Chief Engineer of the California State
Highway Commission and builder of the San Francisco-Oakland bay
bridge, to conduct a general traffic study. Pending the outcome of this
matter, basic data as to riding habits of railway patrons will be
obtained under a W.P.A. project sponsored by the Public Utilities
Commission. This project will include an origin and destination survey
of the entire city.

The increase in car and bus hours operated over the previous year
was 75,4S4 or 7.8 per cent. All available street cars and motor coaches
owned by the Municipal Railway are now in operation during peak
hours of travel. Five new modern streamlined street cars were pur-
chased. These cars embody beauty, comfort, safety, speed and silence,
and were specially designed for use on San Francisco's Municipal
Railway.

After providing for the cost of increased service and new motor
coach routes, increasing the provision for depreciation to $360,825, and
providing $129,093 for accidents for the year, a net income of $459,114
is found as compared to $306,773 for the year 1938.

Track, roadway and equipment have been maintained in excellent
condition, the sum of $417,637 having been expended for this purpose.
Fifty car bodies and two buses were overhauled and painted. 1.50 miles
of paved track and 2 miles of open track were reconstructed.

Capital expenditures and replacements amounted to $679,115, which
includes $112,000 for five new modern street cars, plus engineering
and other costs, $125,730 for 12 new motor coaches, $116,000 for 9 new
trolley coaches, $112,000 for construction of the Howard Street trolley
coach system, $65,000 for reconstruction of tracks on Geary Street
between Masonic and Jordan Avenues, and $40,000 for track recon-
struction in the Twin Peaks tunnel.

On December 1, the sum of $100,000 in bonds of the railway was
retired from earnings, so that there now remains an indebtedness of
only $1,300,000 against the Municipal Railway properties, which are
conservatively valued at $10,000,000.

Over 112,000,000 passengers were carried during the year, an increase
of 14,000,000 passengers over the previous year. This is the largest
number of passengers carried in one year in the history of the
Municipal Railway. Street cars and motor coaches traveled a distance
of 10,020,000 miles, an increase of 465,000 miles over last year. Cars
and motor coaches operated over 1,037,600 hours or 75,400 hours more
than the previous year.

( 33 )

Water Department.

Operations of the San Francisco Water Department present a very
favorable picture for the past year.

Water sales revenue for the year amounted to $7,282,382 and net
profit from operations was $3,326,970, as compared to $3,068,172 for
the preceding year. The gain of $258,798 consists of a gain of $483,492
in water sales revenue and $36,378 in miscellaneous income, which
gains were partly offset by an increase of $261,072 in operating expense.
The increase in operating expense is due to additional depreciation
charges of $60,925, extraordinary repairs of $75,257 occasioned by a
break in one of the bay crossing submarine pipes and by flood water
damage to the Calaveras spillway, a valuation of the department's
properties costing $23,017, increased taxes of $59,758, increased pump-
ing costs of $24,821 and miscellaneous items totaling $17,294.

Water consumption for the year average 69^ million gallons daily.
This is again an all-time high and represents a gain of 10y2 million
gallons daily or 17i^ per cent over the preceding year. Eliminating the
1 million gallons daily supplied to the fair the gain is still five times
that of an average year and represents the largest gain in the depart-
ment's history. San Francisco consumption, exclusive of the fair, gained
4^4 million gallons daily or 9 per cent, and suburban consumption was
doubled with a gain of another 4^ million gallons daily.

Approximately 10 miles of 6", 8" and 12" mains were added to the
distributing system in the city and 3,553 new service connections
installed, which is 632 more than were installed during the previous
year.

The number of active consumers in San Francisco has increased to
119,000, a gain of 2,913 for the year, which is 431 more than the
previous year.

The past season of deficient rainfall produced practically no runoff
available for storage in the local reservoirs, making it necessary to
draw 17,400 million gallons, or an average of 56 million gallons daily
from the Hetch Hetchy system since February. The Hetch Hetchy
delivery has maintained the peninsula reservoirs at a high level
throughout the year and on December 31 the local storage slightly
exceeded 30,500 million gallons, which is approximately 1% years'
supply.

On March 3, 1940 the San Francisco Water Department will have
completed ten years of operation under the city's ownership. The
following is a brief review of operations during this period of time:

Water consumption has increased 30 per cent, which is practically a
normal percentage gain despite the general business depression during
these years.

Due to a series of four rate reductions, water sales revenue has
increased only 7 per cent. These rate reductions are now saving our
consumers approximately $1,100,000 per year and total over $4,500,000
for the past five years.

A total of 270 miles of new pipe has been laid in the city and 15,000
consumers have been added to the system. Of the new pipe laid 155
miles were new extensions and 115 miles were replacements of inade-
quate sizes with larger pipe to improve water service to consumers and
to give better fire protection. Storage capacity within the city limits
has been more than doubled.

Facilities for transporting water into the University Mound distribu-
tion district in San Francisco have been greatly increased but no
additional capacity has been provided for transporting water from the
peninsula reservoirs to meet the greatly increased demands of the
higher districts of the city. Such facilities are at present a most urgent
need.

( 34 )

The creation of a water purification division which gives constant
control over taste, odor and sanitation problems has resulted in a 75
per cent decrease in bad water complaints.

The constant danger from failure of the local sources due to lack of
rainfall in the bay area has been permanently eliminated by connection
with the abundant Hetch Hetchy supply.

These accomplishments have all been achieved with no increase in
operating expenses, which for this year are no greater than they were
ten years ago.

A resume of the financial results of the city's operation of the Water
Department from March 3, 1930 to December 31, 1939 shows gross
income of $67,942,917 and operating expenses of $40,264,939. The net
income of $27,677,978 was used for:

Contribution to the city's general fund $ 9,197,426

Bond redemption — Water Department 11,187,094

Additions and betterments 4,716,952

Contributions to Hetch Hetchy system 2,497,053

Surplus and Miscellaneous 79,453

Hetch Hetchy and Utility Construction.

In the spring flood season of 1939 the enlarged O'Shaughnessy dam
again demonstrated the worth of the enlargement completed in 1938.
Last winter's precipitation on the Hetch Hetchy watershed was much
less than that of the previous winter, as was the case throughout the
northern and central portions of the state, and the runoff from the
melting snows was not sufficient to fill the reservoir to its new capacity,
but even with this handicap the water rose 57 feet above the old spill-
way level. This resulted in the conservation, for later beneficial use,
of 31 billion gallons of water that, without the benefit of the enlarge-
ment of the dam, would have passed on down the stream as fast as
it entered the reservoir, its energy dissipated in uncontrolled flow
through the rocky bed of the Tuolumne. The magnitude of this quan-
tity of water that was thus saved may be better appreciated through
the realization that it is greater than the combined capacity of the
city's two great storage reservoirs, San Andres and Crystal Springs,
which the motorist sees on his right as he drives down the peninsula
from San Francisco on the Skyline boulevard.

The right of the city to store water up to the full capacity of the
mountain reservoir system was Anally affirmed by the State Supreme
Court. Certain important agricultural interests of the San Joaquin
valley had succeeded in obtaining in a lower court an injunction
against the city which would have destroyed the value of the enlarged
O'Shaughnessy dam and would have seriously impaired the potential
capacity of the Hetch Hetchy system for both domestic water supply
and power development. The supreme court's action permanently
averts such interference.

A great advance has been made during the year in the expansion
of the facilities of San Francisco Airport, for which the construction
work is under the supervision of this branch of the Public Utilities
Commission. The work is financed from the bond issue of $2,850,000
approved by the electorate in November 1937. It includes levee con-
struction, now completed, to reclaim from the bay a 325 acre area
for addition to the landing field, filling within that area to create
a solid usable surface for runways, paving and lighting. This will
bring the airport up to the United States Civil Aeronautics Authority
requirements for a class 4 rating, the highest, embracing airports
suited in every respect for use by the largest transport planes now
produced or likely to be produced for some considerable time in the
future.

( 35 )

Study also has been given, in cooperation with the Civil Aero-
nautics Authority, to the requirements of a Treasure Island airport.

Hetch Hetchy Power.

Last season's rainfall was below normal, consequently the O'Shaugh-
nessy dam was used to its full capacity, by agreement with the irri-
gation districts in the San Joaquin valley. This arrangement ma-
terially assisted in meeting the requirements of not only the city for
its power output, but also those of the irrigationists. By a reversal
of the findings of the lower court, future restrictions as to the use
of O'Shaughnessy dam for storing flood waters have been removed.

On June 28, 1938, the local United States District Court found that
the city's contract with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for
the distribution of Hetch Hetchy power was not in accordance with
the Department of Interior's interpretation of Section 6 of the Raker
Act. This decision was appealed and on September 13, 1939 the United
States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth District reversed the
decision of the lower court and dismissed the complaint. The city
may now continue to deliver power to the Pacific Gas and Electric
Company as heretofore, thereby securing a revenue of approximately
$2,300,000 a year. The federal government has appealed to the United
States Supreme Court.

On May 19, 1939 at a special election the Public Utilities Commis-
sion's Plan 8 for the distribution of Hetch Hetchy power failed of
passage.

Street and Public Building Lighting.

The extensive program of widening and improving streets has
necessitated the installation of new and more up-to-date street lighting
in keeping with the requirements for dense and fast traffic over the
new thoroughfares. New and lower rates for street lighting granted
on the city's annual contract have made it possible to revise and
improve the lighting of city streets. in all of the residential and
minor business areas. In making these additions the old lamps have
been rearranged and a large percentage of the older type units have
been replaced with improved fixtures. New lights adjacent to the
bay bridge terminal station have been installed for the benefit of
patrons of the terminal. Floodlighting has been provided which per-
mits the night use of the Rolph and Funston playfields.

San Francisco Airport.

The large scale development program under way at San Francisco
Airport has advanced with great strides during the year 1939. That
part of the development which calls for field enlargement has been
particularly active, some 125 acres of tide flats having been reclaimed
by an earth and rock fill. This reclaimed area is now available for
emergency use and will be in regular operation within the next few
months. Work on the reclamation of an additional 175 acres will be
started shortly. The total area to be available for aircraft operation
on completion of the present project will be 504 acres, with runways
ranging from 4,500 to 6,000 feet in length.

At the seaplane harbor being developed adjacent to this landing
area, the United States Coast Guard has already begun construction
of an important base, for which the city and county of San Fran-
cisco deeded 20^ acres to the federal government. The harbor will
also be available to private and commercial operators of seaplanes
and amphibians. We will soon have one of the finest combination
land and seaplane ports in the world.

Remarkable increases in transport traffic have taken place during
1939. Despite the fact that the airport was practically closed to airline
transports for almost two months during the year (March 25 to

( 36 )

May 20) due to runway construction work, the annual passenger
traffic increase was 31 per cent over the year 1938, some 64,600 pas-
sengers having boarded or deplaned at our terminal. Comparing the
last seven months of 1939 (during all of which time the airport was
open) with the last seven months of 1938 we find the following
impressive figures:

Increase
Passengers (arrivals & departures) excluding "thru" passengers....72%

Air mail poundage (in & out) excluding "thru" cargo 29%

Air express poundage out, excluding "thru" cargo 33%

Transport planes (in & out) 40%

Over the routes and connecting services of the two major airlines
operating at San Francisco Airport schedules are available to all
sections of the world. The combined schedules of United Air Lines
and Transcontinental and Western Air, Inc. provide 26 arrivals and
26 departures daily.

At the Treasure Island site, our city!s second airport of the future,
Pan American Airways is well established and successfully operating
its Pacific Coast base under the 10-year lease (with 10-year renewal
option) mentioned in my message of last year. With inauguration
of scheduled trans-Atlantic air service last June, San Francisco became
an important link in round-the-world air travel, entertaining air pas-
sengers from all parts of the world.

Commercial and privately based aircraft at San Francisco Airport
number 50, which places hangar space at a decided premium pending
the construction of additional hangars included in the field develop-
ment program. In addition to the two major airlines, local commercial
operators included 7 aircraft agencies, 7 flying schools and 9 charter
services. The concession for the new airport restaurant, refreshment
lounge, and news counter has been under lease to a reliable operator
since last February.

The installation of a radio range facility is complete, with full
operation scheduled to begin some time this month. The radio range
will enable pilots to land safely under poor weather conditions. As
soon as the Civil Aeronautics Authority completes tests on a blind
landing beam and places its approval on a particular type, this radio
facility will likewise be installed at San Francisco Airport to operate
in conjunction with the radio range, and will permit landings under
conditions or zero ceiling and visibility.

In September 1939 the final payment on the airport property was
made to the Mills Estate, completing the 10-year contract for pur-
chase of 1,112 acres of land. The total area now owned by the city
and county of San Francisco at the airport site is 2,245 acres, of
which 561 acres will form the landing field proper, 620 acres will
be in use at the seaplane harbor, 445 acres is submerged land for
further airport development and to maintain clear approaches to
the landing field, 555 acres west of the Bayshore highway will be
used for industrial development or airport structures, 24 acres is
occupied by public roads, and 40 acres of submerged land is to be
the permanent radio range site southeast of the field.

Considering the large development program well under way at San
Francisco Airport, the impressive traffic increase outlined above, and
our city's provision for a second future airport at Treasure Island,
we may feel secure in our determination to make San Francisco a
world renowned center for the new born commerce of the air.

Parks.

All San Franciscans who have enjoyed our public breathing spaces,
( 37 )

during the past year, have had occasion to observe the numerous
improvements which have been made under the direction of the Park
Commission — in many cases through projects of the Works Progress
Administration.

That organization is responsible for the creation of the magnifi-
cent new Zoological Gardens at Fleishhacker Playfield, which are
now eighty per cent complete and already house a large number of
animals. The commodious barless cages and pits and the appro-
priate landscaping have elicited favorable comment from all who
have had the opportunity to view them.

Those of our citizens who follow the pastime of angling and fly-
casting are undoubtedly appreciative of the W.P.A.'s good work in
erecting a charming, rustic clubhouse and in creating pools for their
use, while adherents of the sport of model yacht racing must be
equally grateful for the fine quarters provided for them by the erec-
tion of a modern club building.

The Polo Stables which were also built by the Works Progress
Administration sheltered, during the last season, some of the most
valuable horseflesh in the world, and the owners of the animals were
generous in their praise of the Polo Field itself, which has been
reconditioned. The track for harness racing is also in perfect shape.

Some eighteen miles of bridle path in Golden Gate Park have been
completely resurfaced and it is the proud boast of those of our citizens
who use them that our facilities are now among the finest in the
United States.

The imposing Aquatic Park building has been turned over to the
City by the W.P.A. and is now in full operation and affording enjoy-
ment to thousands of persons daily.

Visitors will find the new directional signs in Golden Gate Park
a real aid to discovering the many points of interest in and round
the Park. In the past few months over two hundred signs of suitable
character have been installed.

The Park-Presidio By-Pass Drive, linking the new Transverse Drive
with the Park-Presidio Driveway has been completed by W.P.A. and
the center strip and borders are now receiving attractive landscap-
ing treatment.

A beautiful setting for the proposed Arboretum Building is being
created by the planting of numerous flower beds and groups of shrubs
and trees, representing plant life from every part of the world.

Planting is steadily progressing in McLaren Park — the recreation
area which represents the lifelong dream of our good Superintendent
of Parks, John McLaren, to provide an open space for dwellers of
the Mission District.

Recreation Department.

The Recreation Commission, during the past year, experienced the
most pronounced growth in its entire history.

Recreation units, all of which are supervised, were increased to
80. The four new areas placed under supervision were: Crocker-Amazon,
Fulton and Potrero Hill Playgrounds, and the Marina Gymnasium.
Additional playgrounds were lighted for evening use and provided
increased play hours, so essential for the welfare of children and
adults. For the third consecutive summer, additional schoolyards
were operated during vacation period. This season, 37 were super-
vised for a ten weeks' period.

Total department expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30,
1939 amounted to $684,770.59 of which $89,045.31 was spent for capital
expenditures including land, buildings and improvements, and equip-
ment.

( 38 )

The varied and comprehensive program of the Recreation Depart-
ment brought the highest attendance figure ever recorded — 6,918,968.
This number exceeded the highest figure previously recorded by more
than 855,742.

The second season for the Sigmund Stern Grove Midsummer Musi-
cals began on May 21, 1939. It was most successful from the standpoint
of musical talent, variety of programs, and size of audiences. Twenty-
one concerts were held and the attendance averaged 4,500 per Sunday.
The programs included events such as orchestras composed of mem-
bers from the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco
Opera Ballet, Shakespearean production, Woodwind Ensemble, San
Francisco Municipal Chorus, Festival of Folk Songs and Dances,
Pacific Coast Singing Festival, Soloists, and Chamber Music Ensemble.

The highlight in this year's activities was our participation at
the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Isalnd. The
San Francisco Recreation Department took an active part in pre-
senting programs. Activities included athletic events of every con-
ceivable type, a children's play day, a Camp Mather Get-Together,
113 performances by the Drama Department including weekly pup-
petry programs, story telling, 34 musical programs, exhibits by the
Junior Recreation Museum and Garden Clubs, and demonstrations
of various crafts. The Recreation Department had a comprehensive
exhibit in both the San Francisco Building, and the State Recreation
Building.

The Recreation Department took an active part in the program
and entertainment for the delegates attending the national conven-
tion of the American Association of Health, Physical Education and
Recreation which convened in San Francisco in April 1939.

The activities of the Junior Recreation Museum were broadened
by the establishment of a Junior Academy of Arts and Sciences, and
the acquisition of an adequate printing press, used for the printing
of the Museum's official monthly publication.

The Recreation Department published a uniquely-designed, abund-
antly illustrated recreation booklet bearing the title "Supervised Rec-
reation" describing the scope of the work of this department in meet-
ing the needs of all age groups in San Francisco. This was the first
recreation booklet published by this department since 1931. Hundreds
of letters of congratulation were received and national commendatory
recognition was given.

Camp Mather, one of the most outstanding municipal summer camps
of the United States, was operated for a longer season than any pre-
ceding year, i. e., from May 27 to September 16, 1939. A total of
23,084 camper days were sold during the 112-day season. The auto
camp, which is adjacent to Camp Mather, and which is operated by
the Recreation Department, registered over 200 cars for the season.

This department was asked to formulate plans for the operation of
a children's day camp in San Francisco, and a study is therefore in
progress to make that plan a reality. Since the value of camping is
of inestimable merit from a character-building and educational stand-
point, this department is eager to bring this plan to fruition.

The director-at-large plan in recreation work progressed most satis-
factorily and a chart showing the number of San Francisco boys
booked at the Juvenile Court since January 1936 showed an appre-
ciable decrease for the years 1938 and 1939, which demonstrates the
efficacy of this type of work to curb juvenile delinquency.

Board of Permit Appeals.

The Board of Permit Appeals is comparable to the Small Claims
Court inasmuch as appeals can be taken from the various depart-
ments and commissions having granting and revocating power with

( 39 )

regard to permits and licenses without any cost whatever. There are
five members appointed who sit as an Appellate Court with regard
to permits and licenses, although the members of this Board are lay-
men. It is their duty when matters are appealed to them to hear both
sides and make their decisions.

On numerous occasions, appeals were taken where a permit was
denied, due to a minor infraction of the law. While this Board has not
the power to authorize anyone to violate any laws, in many instances,
methods were suggested by which minor changes could be made so
that the appellant would be conforming with our laws and the permit
granted.

In the past year, 49 appeals were heard. These were taken from
action by the following officials and departments: Director of Works,
23; Director of Health, 14; Chief of Police, 2; Chief, Fire Depart-
ment, 7; Art Commission, 2; Tax Collector, 1. Of these 18 were
Affirmed, 26 Reversed, 3 Dismissed, and 2 are Pending.

City Planning Commission.

The City Planning Commission experienced one of its busiest years
since its establishment. Contributing factors to this increased activity
included the following:

This year, building activities returned to near pre-depression levels,
more particularly, because the F.H.A. plan for home building and
owning made greatest progress. Great increase in the field of home
building involved the development of practically virgin territory, and
caused the Commission an unusually large amount of supervisory
work. Home building development requires establishment of building
set-back lines, location and establishment of commercial areas built
to conform to a well considered plan of development and the study
of related transportation problems. One needs but to visit the sites
of new subdivisions such as Ewing Terrace, Lakeside, McLaren Park
Extension, University Terraces and Francisco Heights to visualize
the advantages that have accrued to the City and its residents by
giving forethought to these problems.

In connection with the development of Federal Low Cost Housing
Projects, the department has cooperated with the local Housing Author-
ity in the matter of reporting and consulting on proposed sites for
such projects.

Shortly to be completed are several surveys made by the W.P.A.
under the sponsorship of the City Planning Commission. These sur-
veys include: (1) Land Use Survey, which has been completed and
is now available for reference in the office. This survey is a series of
maps showing the use to which property in the City and County is
actually being put and is a handy reference which does away with
costly and time consuming field investigation, (2) a Wood Model
of the City, to be completed during the month of January, 1940. This
model has been made at a scale of 1 inch to 100 feet and the complete
model will be approximately 37^' by 41'. During the Golden Gate
International Exposition, held on Treasure Island, a section of the
model was on exhibit at the Redwood Empire Building. Upon com-
pletion of the model it is hoped that space will be made available
somewhere in the City Hall for public showing; (3) a city-wide
Mapping Project to cost about $180,000, will be completed about the
end of 1940. This project consists of a series of individual block maps
of each block in the City and County made to the scale of 1 inch to
50 feet. Each map will show the outline of the buildings and uses
thereof; their construction, height, etc. When completed these, together
with the model, will afford full information regarding conditions
existing on all land within the City and County, both above and
below ground.

( 40 )

There was continued in 1939, in accordance with Section 24 of the
Charter, which provides that no building permit or license affected
by the zoning or set-back line ordinances shall be issued without the
prior approval of the City Planning Commission, the checking as to
conformity with the ordinances, of licenses and permits as issued by
the Tax Collector's Office, Department of Public Health, Fire Depart-
ment and Board of Public Works. In the matter of building permits
alone there were checked approximately 8500 applications.

A total of 167 applications for changes in zoning classification were
filed. Of the total applications, 73 were approved, 35 disapproved and
15 withdrawn. Set for hearing were 12 applications. The volume of
applications for changes in zoning during the year 1938 was 94. This
year will show an increase of approximately 100% over 1938. There
were filed with the Commission a total of 43 applications for changes
or establishment of building set-back lines. Of this number 10 were
filed by property owners, 33 being introduced by the Commission.
Of the 10 property owner applications, 6 were approved, 1 disapproved,
1 was awaiting action and 2 were set for hearing. The number of
43 applications compares with a total of 16 for 1938.

San Francisco has been selected as the 1940 Convention City for
the National Conference of Planning Officials. The convention will
be held July 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th. The participating organizations
will be the American Society of Planning Officials, American Plan-
ning and Civic Associations. American Institute of Planners and the
National Economic & Social Planning Association.

The Controller, in his current annual report, suggested that an
endeavor be made toward the coordination of departmental plans
with the fiscal problem involved. With respect to all future physical
development of our City, no such coordination can be achieved until
a Master Plan of our City has been made. Such Master Plan would
not only include solutions of much discussed traffic and transporta-
tion problems, which are only phases of such plan, but would include
every factor involved in the physical development of our City. No
proper solution of the traffic and transportation problem can be
arrived at without such Master Plan which would give consideration
to all other related problems of physical development. Section 116
of the Charter makes it the duty of the Planning Commission to make
such Master Plan. Ways and means will be found to comply with this
Charter provision.

War Memorial Trustees.

Perhaps no municipal department in any city in the United States
is so unique as is the War Memorial in San Francisco. The manage-
ment and operation of the Opera House, the Veterans' Building and
the Museum of Art and the Court of Memory are included in this
Department.

San Francisco's Opera House is the only municipally-owned build-
ing of its kind in the United States; the Veterans' Building consti-
tutes what is probably the most pretentious home ever built in this
country for the exclusive use of Veterans of all the wars in which
America has participated ; while the Museum of Art is the only museum
open to the public, evenings.

The very nature of this group, which was constructed by the people
as a War Memorial, shows at a glance the importance and widely
different appeal that each unit of the Memorial holds forth to the
various groups of our citizens using its privileges. Music lovers of
San Francisco are genuinely proud of their possession of this beau-
tiful Opera House, the headquarters of the cultural life of the City.
Veterans take joyous zest in the magnificent edifice which houses
their activities, and art lovers have not been slow to recognize the
extraordinarily fine museum which occupies the fourth floor of the

( 41 )

Veterans' Building. It is reported that upward of 200,000 people have
availed themselves of these splendidly lighted and equipped galleries
during the past year.

The four floors of the Veterans' Building devoted to the offices,
meeting rooms, club rooms, auditorium and other facilities serve over
150 organizations of Veteran groups. It is reported that more than
three-quarters of a million persons annually make use of these facili-
ties. The Veterans' Building is probably used by more people than
any other building in the City of San Francisco. Day and night it
is a beehive of activity and a show place to hundreds of thousands
of visitors who come to the City every year.

During the year just passed, the Opera House was busier and more
consistently used by the people than ever before in its remarkable
record. Press and public alike seemed to feel that the 1939 opera
season, recently concluded, was more glamorous and successful than
any, previous. The world's greatest artists presented a season of
eighteen performances, the magnificence and sumptuousness of which
were not exceeded by those of any opera house or opera company in
the world. The San Francisco Symphony has definitely taken its place
among the foremost of the world's major symphonic organizations.
Artists of the first rank appear regularly in its recital programs.
All these things prove that the existence of this glorious building is
contributing, more than any other factor, toward making San Fran-
cisco known the world over as a foremost music center and highly
cultural locale. Another and increasingly more important use, to
which the Opera House is put, is the holding therein of the gradua-
tion exercises of San Francisco's high schools. The presentation of
noted lecturers and speakers from all over the world is another use
which is made of the Opera House. Last year an outstanding use to
which the building was put was the holding therein of a half dozen
international conventions, which brought thousands of visitors to the
City. Without exception, delegates and officials of these conventions
and the officers have gone on record as stating that facilities for the
conventions, thanks to the availability of the Opera House, make
San Francisco one of the most ideal convention cities in the Nation.
The San Francisco Opera Association is able to maintain the fine
organization that is San Francisco's own opera company, largely
because of having the Opera House as its home base. This Company,
carrying the City's name in all its announcements, is now making
annual visits to Los Angeles, Sacramento, Pasadena and other places,
giving our city premier advertising throughout the land.

Visitors from every part of the globe inspect the Opera House.
It is counted a poor day when there are not at least fifty or more
such visitors or groups of visitors signing the great register, which
already contains the names of some of the most prominent citizens
in the world. Likewise, the Veterans' Auditorium, in the Veterans'
Building, where the famous Frank Brangwyn murals adorn the walls,
and the Museum galleries, attract and entertain many thousands of
visitors during the year.

For the uses to which these buildings are put, giving so much
pleasure to such a great percentage of local citizens of all types and
classes, and for the sheer advertising value which accrues to the
City from their very presence, their construction has been fully jus-
tified, and a wise and far-seeing service to all the West.

The War Memorial Department is operated by a Board of eleven
Trustees, the President of which, during 1939, was Ralph J. A. Stern.

Art Commission.

The activities of the Art Commission were of vital importance dur-
ing the year of the Golden Gate International Exposition.

( 42 )

The architecture, painting, sculpture and decoration of the beau-
tiful San Francisco Building on Treasure Island, executed under the
supervision and direction of this Commission, conspired to produce
one of the outstanding masterpieces of the Fair. The work of the
Art Commission and their untiring efforts to make this building an
artistic achievement, in the medium of the arts, is gratefully acknowl-
edged and their good taste and excellent judgment is widely praised.

In the utilitarian field the Commission continued its rigid super-
vision of all works of art placed in public buildings, parks and squares
on property belonging to the City and County of San Francisco.

The year 1939 marked the peak of the Art Commission's activities
in music. When the Commission came into existence in 1932, and
the municipality's policy and program of music was entrusted to
them, a series of four Municipal Symphony Concerts was presented
with a total attendance of 9,000. In 1939, the Art Commission gave
fourteen Municipal Concerts with a total attendance of over 65,000.
Conforming with their established policy to give the people of San
Francisco and the visitors these concerts, they utilized our splendid
San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, the ballet, internationally famed
soloists, and our own Municipal Chorus, offering the very best in
music, and at prices within the reach of all. I know of no city in
America that gives such paramount musical attractions at such nomi-
nal prices. Surely the Music Tax, established by the Art Commission
four years ago, which makes this possible, has been more than justified.

The Municipal Band continued to give concerts in neighborhood
parks and squares and to furnish music for shut-ins at hospitals, the
Health Farm, and the Laguna Honda Home.

At its inception, the San Francisco Art Commission was experi-
mental for it was one of the first Commissions of its kind to be given
such jurisdiction and power by the people's mandate. The experiment
has worked out nobly, as is evidenced by the splendid work accom-
plished and plans, under consideration for the future, assure a program
which will bring to our City and our people the finest in art and music.

San Francisco Museums.

The continued importance of the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum
and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in the cultural life
of San Francisco is again attested by an attendance at these two
municipal museums of approximately 750,000 for the year 1939.

Among the exhibitions at the California Palace of the Legion of
Honor which received great local response were the Memorial Exhibi-
tions of Paintings which were shown throughout the year. They
included such well-known local artists as: Toby Rosenthal (1848-1917) ;
Mary Curtis Richardson (1848-1931); Thaddeus Welch (1844-1919);
Francis McComas (1874-1938); Florence V. Robinson (1874-1938) and
Orrin M. Peck (1862-1921).

Also of great interest was the exhibition of Italian Renaissance
Bronzes, from the collection of Mrs. Charles A. Baldwin. The Greek
Vases, from the collections of the Museum and the University of Cali-
fornia, have been reinstalled in new specially designed and lighted
cases.

Other exhibitions included a collection of Landscapes, Seascapes,
Flower and Figure Paintings; Paintings and Sculptures by San Fran-
cisco Artists and several groups of American Artists; paintings by
Victor Arnautoff, Edward Farmer and Daniel M. Mendelowitz; Richard
Allman and Edward Johnson; Robert Bach and Daniel Romano; Water
Colors by George Post and Sculptures by Raymond Puccinelli; Prints
and Drawings by John Taylor Arms; Regional exhibition of Arts
and Crafts by members of the San Francisco Branch of the Junior

( 43 )

League; Paintings and Sculpture by members of the San Francisco
Branch of "The Society for Sanity in Art"; original covers for "The
New Yorker" and paintings of Spain by Wells M. Sawyer.

Further gifts to the California Palace of the Legion of Honor dur-
ing the year were two important paintings, "View of the Rialto Bridge,
Venice" by Francesco Guardi, Venetian (1712-1793) and "Grand Canal,
Venice" by J. M. W. Turner, English (1775-1851) presented as notable
additions to the Mildred A. Williams Collection; two sculptures in
aluminum, "Fawns Playing" and "Greyhounds Playing" by Anna Hyatt
Huntington, presented by Mrs. Huntington.

Exhibitions held at the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum during
the year included the "Frontiers of American Art," murals and
mosaics, easel paintings, graphic arts, sculpture, Index of American
Design and educational activities (presented with the assistance of
the National Staff of the Works Progress Administration). The exhibi-
tion, assembled from all parts of the country, provided an excellent
survey of all the activities of the Federal Art Project.

Also of great interest was the exhibition "Glass Through the Ages"
which was assembled by the Museum mainly from Pacific Coast col-
lectors and was displayed in a specially designed setting. The exhibit
was rich in 16th and 17th century Dutch-German enameled glass and
18th and 19th century English and Irish and American glass. It was
brought up to date by examples of the beautiful modern pieces of
Lalique, Steuben and Orresfors.

Other exhibitions included a collection of etchings by Rembrandt
van Rijn, lent by Mr. Lessing J. Rosenwald; British Wood Engrav-
ings (contemporary) ; Technique of Chinese Painting; Chinese Rub-
bings and a collection of Spanish Peruvian Furniture. Also, children's
drawings and puppets made in the Museum ; paintings by school
children; arts and crafts by the Campfire Girls.

A number of collections of photographs were displayed, including
International Salons of Pictorial Photography and The Royal Photo-
graphic Society of Great Britain.

Another important exhibition was the Pre-Columbian Peruvian Tex-
tiles which portrayed the artistic importance as well as the archaeo-
logical significance of the antiquities of Peru. Other textile exhibitions
included Kashmir and Paisley shawls; Swedish weaving; costume
models; Chinoiserie Textiles and Porcelain. In many cases the exhibi-
tions lent by private collectors were augmented from the Museum's
large textile collection.

Among the acquisitions of the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum
were a very fine Franco-Flemish Tapestry, middle 15th century, a
wood sculpture "Mary and St. John the Evangelist" South German,
circa 1500, a late 16th century English Court Cupboard and Oak
Chest, two Italian chairs, 18th century, and a portrait of "Marchioness
Rospigliosi - Pallavincini" by Carlo Maratti (1625-1713), acquired
through the M. H. de Young Endowment Fund; a suit of armor, Ger-
man, circa 1540, presented by Mr. Archer M. Huntington; a collection
of 18th, 19th and 20th century silver, presented by Miss Carlotta
Mabury; twenty Kashmir and Paisley shawls from the Estate of
Mrs. Josephine H. Mitchell. Also additions to the ethnographical depart-
ment, library, textile study room, ship models, firearms and costume
room.

The Educational Department carried on its regular activities for
both adults and children. Regular lectures and gallery tours have been
held for the public, illustrating current exhibitions and permanent
material and special work has been conducted with study groups,
schools, clubs, universities and other organizations. The children's
puppet plays and classes at the de Young Museum are continuing
with great success. Two new and most successful activities are the

( 44 )

Art Classes for Children and the Pottery Classes for the Blind at the
California Palace of the Legion of Honor.

Exposition Art Department.

The exhibition of European art from the 14th through the 19th
centuries in the Fine Arts Department at the Golden Gate Interna-
tional Exposition, assembled by Dr. Walter Heil, will undoubtedly go
down in the annals of American art shows as the richest and most
significant ever held in this country. This is largely due to the fact
that for the first — and probably the last — time, not only one or two
but actually twenty-four of the Old World's most famous museums
and several of Europe's foremost private collections contributed to
this exhibition. In fact, more than fifty per cent of the works assem-
bled were brought from across the Atlantic.

And, what means still more, most of these were not merely charac-
teristic examples by certain masters, but, in many cases, were works
of world renown and of singular importance even among the wealth
of the galleries from which they came. The contributions from Italy
alone, coming from such celebrated galleries as the Pitti Palace, the
Uffizi and Bargello in Florence, the Brera Gallery in Milan and the
great museums of Naples and Venice, included such widely known
works as Michelangelo's Marble Madonna, Botticelli's Birth of Venus
and Raphael's Madonna of the Chair. These twenty-seven masterworks
from Italy would have made a singularly important exhibition but
Dr. Heil was also able to secure a large number of works from the
London National Gallery, the Royal Museum in Brussels, the Frans
Hals Museum in Haarlem and the Louvre in Paris as well as private
collections in Antwerp, Amsterdam and Paris. From American mu-
seums and private collections came choice works which added sub-
stantially to the scope and color of the exhibition and revealed at
the same time the high standards which collecting in our country
has attained.

The exhibition proved to be the most popular attraction of the
entire Exposition. Nearly 2,000,000 people have seen it, indeed, a
splendid evidence of the taste and cultural aspirations of the visitors
to our Fair as well as a gratifying compliment to Dr. Heil for his
great efforts.

San Francisco Public Library.

The Library Department has experienced one of its most active
years. During the Exposition a large number of visitors not only
inspected the library system but also availed themselves of its facili-
ties. The circulation of books for home reading amounted to approxi-
mately 4,000,000. The home circulation combined with the number of
books used in the main and branch libraries for research purposes
would bring the total amount of books used to three times this amount.

Each year a drive is made to place the resources of the library
before the people of San Francisco. This year I proclaimed a Public
Library Week from November 11th to November 18th. The Junior
Chamber of Commerce cooperated by securing valuable publicity
through the radio, street cars and newspapers. Librarians contacted
all the schools, and classes of children visited the main and branches
to have the resources explained to them. Letters were also sent to
the managers of our leading local Arms urging them to have their
employees use the library. The results of this campaign have been
excellent and thousands of new members have been enrolled.

At the beginning of the year a complete program for the renovating
and cleaning of the main and branches was drawn up. All the build-
ings are now in first class condition.

( 45 )

The American Library Association held its annual conference in
San Francisco during June. Three thousand librarians attended from
all parts of the United States. The library staff acted as the commit-
tee for arrangements and hospitality. This was one of the most suc-
cessful conferences held.

The dedication of the new branch building for the West Portal
district was held on Sunday, May 7th. At this time I officially accepted
the building for the City of San Francisco. It is a model branch build-
ing with an up-to-date collection of 14,000 volumes. This building
was a W.P.A. project and cost approximately $100,000. I was also
present at the ground breaking for the Bernal Branch building on
Sunday, February 5th. This is another W.P.A. project and will cost
around $80,000. All the necessary preparations regarding books and
equipment are well under way and will be ready when the building
is completed sometime at the beginning of next year. The Bernal
Branch will fill a long felt need as this district has never had adequate
library service.

We have received a number of requests for other extensions to
the branch system, but it is impossible to grant any further requests
until we are in a position to set aside additional funds for this
purpose, as it is just possible to maintain the present set-up on the
current appropriation.

A complete inventory of the book collections of the main library
and twenty-one branches has been taken by the Order Department.
All the desirable missing material will be ordered for replacement.

The Music Department has assembled and arranged an interesting
and useful collection of programs covering performances given in
San Francisco from the pioneer days to the last one in our municipal
opera house.

The children's rooms at the main library and branches carried on
projects and programs, such as vacation reading clubs, story hours,
radio talks, etc., to attract the young people to the library. Librarians
made regular visits to the schools throughout the year and gave talks
before the various P.T.A. groups.

Series of interesting lectures were given in the assembly hall and
seasonal displays held at the main and branches.

Many items were added by gift and purchase to the Max John
Kuhl and James D. Phelan memorial rooms. These outstanding col-
lections were of great interest to the many visitors during the year.

It is with deep regret that I report the death of Mr. Frank P.
Deering who was a member of the Library Commission for many
years. Mrs. Gertrude Atherton resigned to resume a place on the Art
Commission. Mrs. Clarence P. Cuneo was appointed to fill this vacancy.

In reviewing the volume of work accomplished during the year I
wish to acknowledge with appreciation the cheerful and ready coopera-
tion of the library staff.

Chief Administrative Officer.

The following information from reports of departments under the
jurisdiction of A. J. Cleary, Chief Administrative Officer, shows con-
tinued progress.

During the year 1939, the Department of Public Health assumed
an added burden in the supervision of public health at Treasure
Island, as well as caring for the health of the millions of visitors in
San Francisco during the Exposition. This entailed a broader scope
of examination of food-handling, foodstuffs, hotels, restaurants, as
well as plumbing installation on the Exposition grounds.

The building program financed by bond issues, enlarging our Health
Department Institutions is nearly completed. This program includes

( 46 )

among other things, a new hospital unit and a new clinic at the
Laguna Honda Home, also the construction of new ward buildings
and employees' quarters at the Hassler Health Home.

The Bureau of Communicable Diseases has continued to be of major
importance in this Department. Unusual success has been reported
in preventing the spread of communicable diseases. No cases of small-
pox were reported during the year.

The Department of Public Works awarded building contracts dur-
ing 1939, amounting to nearly $5,000,000. In addition to this, approxi-
mately $1,200,000 in building work was in course of construction on
contracts previously awarded.

The San Francisco Building on Treasure Island was completed
within the allotted time. This beautiful structure proved itself to
be the outstanding example in the Exposition of modern interior
design. The large numbers visiting this building accepted it as the
most popular place for official and social activities on Treasure Island.

Building permits and inspection service show an increase over
the previous year in excess of ten per cent, indicating a healthy im-
provement in private construction work.

Street-widening has been pursued vigorously, with a view of con-
tinuing this important program during the coming year. A number
of streets have been completed, notably, Franklin street, Castro street,
Fulton street, Union street, Third street and Fourth street. In addi-
tion to this the PWA grants from the Federal Government have
enabled us to start construction on the San Francisco Junior College,
Abraham Lincoln High School, and Outer Mission Junior High School.
These projects will be completed within the prescribed time.

The traffic problem continues to be of major importance and the
Street Traffic Advisory Board is meeting regularly, in an endeavor
to alleviate the congested condition of our down town streets. Some
progress has been made through street widening and the placing of
additional adequate signs and additional traffic signals by the De-
partment of Electricity. The overtime parking problem, which has
such important bearing on traffic congestion, will be materially cor-
rected through enforcement of the prima facie law and it is expected
that results will obtain during the coming year.

It is becoming more apparent daily that more strict enforcement
of the parking laws by the Police Department is absolutely essential
to the efficient handling of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The various county offices have functioned efficiently through care-
ful management and close attention to detail by the department heads.
Studies are constantly being made to insure the use of modern equip-
ment and up-to-date methods, with a view to economical operation
and service to the public.

Budgeting and control of the Publicity and Advertising Fund has
been an important duty of the Chief Administrative Officer, particu-
larly during 1939, due to the heavy demands upon the Fund, on
account of the many large national conventions held in San Fran-
cisco, as well as the unusual expense for exploitation during the
Exposition year.

Department of Finance and Records.

The expenses of the Director's office for the calendar year 1939
were $7,942.25. The divisions included in this Department are the
Tax Collector, Registrar of Voters, County Clerk, Recorder, and Pub-
lic Administrator.

Many improvements have been made in some of the above offices
in order to care for more rapid handling of the public and more are
in contemplation.

( 47 )

Detailed reports on all these offices are submitted immediately
following this report.

Tax Collector.

Real Estate Taxes and Secured Personal Property Taxes, collected for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1939— $30,184,945.36; Unsecured Personal
Property Taxes (exclusive of Delinquent Revenue) — $934,208.01.

The Bureau of Delinquent Revenue Collections, for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1939 were $197,744.20, an increase of $27,422.62 over
1937-8.

In Bureau of Licenses, the total collections to June 30, 1939 were
$337,635.56; the grand total of collections was $31,654,533.13, an
increase of $1,266,068.48 over 1937-8.

Registrar of Voters.

The office of the Registrar of Voters climaxed a busy 1939, not
alone with the largest registration ever compiled, but with the greatest
vote ever cast at an election in the City and County of San Francisco.

The regular general municipal election held November 7, 1939 pur-
suant to Charter provisions, joined with the Special State Election
called by the Governor for the same day, and a Special Election called
by the Board of Supervisors and held May 19, 1939, was sufficient
incentive to keep the Registrar of Voters fully occupied.

These figures on registration and voting are interesting:

Net Registration for May 19th election, 274,474; Total Vote for
May 19th election, 175,007; Net Registration for Nov. 7th election,
343,405; Total Vote for November 7th election, approximately 290,000.

To bring about these figures, the Registrar's office registered dur-
ing the year 74,563 new registrants, re-registered 46,377 who had
changed residence; cancelled on account of duplications or removals
from this City and County 2,668, and changed the political affiliations
of 1,508 on affidavits of registration.

Few realize the amount of detail necessary in handling such a
large registration to see that all are properly placed in their own
voting precincts and that mistakes, which often are not detected until
the day of election, are rectified.

Besides all these details, this office also was called upon to issue
approximately 7,000 certificates of registration and to notarize about
6,000 papers, particularly of applicants for Civil Service examinations.

Operation of the Absent Voter's Law is the cause of a great deal
of work in this office. For the May 19th election, applications were
received from 1,151 voters of whom 1,046 voted, while at the November
election, applications were received from 4,850, of whom 4,385 voted.

Fifty candidates filed Declarations of Candidacy for the November
municipal election, two of whom subsequently withdrew. Twenty
Sponsors' Certificates were also filed for each candidate to complete
each nomination, making a total of 1,050 required to be checked.

Initiative and referendum petitions, eight in number, were filed for
examination and certification to the proper officers, aggregating 286,881
signatures in all, a truly monumental job.

This office strives to enlist capable and efficient people to serve as
officers of election, and while some may be slow or prove inefficient,
on the whole there is little complaint from the 1084 polling places
in San Francisco.

During the current year, it was necessary to increase the number
of polling places from 1,055 to 1,084, and as the outlying districts,
particularly in the Sunset and Parkside and west of Twin Peaks are

( 48 )

building up very rapidly, it will be necessary to further increase the
number of polling places. This increase in polling places is a source
of great expense. Effort is being made at this time to keep the number
to be increased to a minimum, as the 1941 session of the State Legis-
lature will re-district the entire State into Assembly Districts, and
the changing of Assembly District lines in San Francisco will neces-
sitate the re-precincting of the entire city.

The Special Election held on May 19th and the General Municipal
and Special State Election held November 7, 1939, were conducted
with efficiency and dispatch, particularly the November 7th election,
when the greatest number ever to turn out at any election here,
responded to their civic duty and voted without any confusion or
inconvenience and practically no delay. This office used its full com-
plement of voting machines, which again demonstrated the fact of the
greater superiority of the voting machine over the old-fashioned,
out-of-date paper ballot. In some of the larger precincts additional
machines could have been used to prevent a congestion of voters, if
this office had them, and before another major election more voting
machines should be provided.

Full returns from the 1084 polling places were received by the
Registrar of Voters before 11 o'clock P. M. within three hours after
the polls were closed, and a full semi-official tabulation of the results
given to the public and press by 1 o'clock A. M., a record only possible
by strict coordination and cooperation.

Again it is urged that a large central warehouse be provided for
the handling and storing of the voting machines, to give better pro-
tection from unfavorable weather conditions, possible fire, as well as
from possible miscreants.

Besides the public elections referred to above, this office also con-
ducted the elections of Directors for Retirement Commission and for
the Health Service Board.

This office loaned the use of voting machines to several labor
organizations for conducting their elections. Also the use of the voting
machines were allowed the students of our Junior and Senior High
Schools, both public and private, in the selection of their student
body officers, and not only served as a means of educating young
people, who in a very few years will be of voting age, in the use and
operation of the voting machines, but also as a means of instilling in
them their greatest civic and patriotic duty — that of participating
actively in elections.

The tremendous drive put on by many organizations to insure the
registration of every eligible in San Francisco caused as unusually
large increase, bringing such registration to a figure larger than any
previous registration in San Francisco, and far exceeded anything
anticipated when compiling the budget of this Department for the cur-
rent fiscal year, and the action of the Governor in calling the Special
Election to be held on the same day as our Municipal Election, and
the action of the Board of Supervisors in submitting various propo-
sitions at the same election caused a great deal heavier expense than
was anticipated. It will be necessary to ask for additional funds to
conduct the May Presidential Primary in 1940.

The continued growth of registration, indicative of a healthy increase
in the population of this City, required much expansion in this office,
and besides more voting machines, considerable additions will soon
be necessary to our filing system and to the addressograph plant.

County Clerk.

In order to provide one of the new courtrooms required by the
addition of two new Judges to the bench of our Superior Court, the

( 49 )

record room of the County Clerk's Office has been moved to the base-
ment of the City Hall. This moving of over half a million court
records has been completed and within a short time complete rear-
rangement of these filed in their new location will be effected.

The pre-marital examination law, requiring applicants for marriage
licenses to take physical examinations prior to marriage, has resulted
in a substantial decrease in the number of applicants, due to the
proximity of Reno, Nevada, where no such restrictions prevail. Every
possible effort is being made to convince San Francisco applicants
of the benefits of this public health measure and it is hoped that
through the cooperation of our people, the local press, and the medical
profession, that all of the benefits of this law will be secured without
a substantial loss of business and revenue, not only to the County
Clerk's Office, but to local merchants as well.

The total received for the year 1938-39 for Fees and Fines and
Forfeitures in criminal cases, was $125,717.50.

Public Administrator.

The Public Administrator submits the following report of the opera-
tions of his office from January 2nd to November 30, 1939: Number
of estates wherein Public Administrator took possession, 300; Number
of estates in which final accounts have been settled and allowed, 252;
Administrator's commissions collected and paid into County Treasury,
$22,447.82 ; Attorney's fees collected and paid into County Treasury,
$22,447.82; Total commissions and fees paid into County Treasury,
$44,895.64; Total cost of operation of office, $38,259.92; Profit, $6,635.72.

The number of estates wherein the Public Administrator took pos-
session is practically of equal number, as for the same period in 1938.

It is expected that all accounts will be settled within the fiscal year,
and that the office will produce the same amount of revenue for the
fiscal year of 1939-1940 as was produced in the year previous.

A profit of $6,635.72 is shown, but a much larger profit will appear
when the operations of the fiscal year have been completed.

Alexander W. Potts, a British subject coming to the Exposition
from Scotland to operate the restaurant and Tarn O'Shanter Inn,
died April 6, 1939. At the time of his death the estate was bankrupt
and claims aggregating $6500.00 were filed, with some $1100.00 in
cash in bank together with a stock of merchandise in the Scottish
village. Public Administrator Katz took over the administration of
this estate and, by careful management and fine co-operation of the
Scotch employees, operated the two concessions until the Fair closed.
All expenses of operation incurred by Mr. Katz have been fully paid
and the estate expects to pay every creditor in full, with the possi-
bility of a small residue for transmission to Scotland. The creditors
expressed great satisfaction.

Recorder.

During the past year the Honorable Edmund Godchaux, Recorder
of the City and County of San Francisco for more than forty years,
passed away and his successor was chosen by competitive civil service
examination. This office has always functioned in an efficient manner
and receipts from fees have far exceeded the salary expense of the
office.

This office has continued to supply free service to ex-service men
and other governmental jurisdictions without increase in the cost
of operations. Under direction of the Director of Finance & Records,
certain improvements in the operations of the department are con-

( 50 )

templated and, with, some slight changes in the state law, will be
accomplished.

These changes will increase the efficiency of the department, enable
the staff to render a better service to the public, and materially
decrease the cost of operation.

Fees for the calendar year amounted to $122,995.97, while expenses
for salaries was $89,026.00.

Department of Electricity.

This department manufactures, installs and maintains fire alarm
boxes, police boxes, and traffic-control devices.

Radio receiving sets were maintained and repaired in Fire Depart-
ment and Police Department cars and motorcycles, and in 19 Police
Stations and offices. Teletype system, consisting of 16 teletypes main-
tained for the Police Department.

A new Central Ring-in System was installed for the Police Depart-
ment. The new system consists of a two-position telephone switchboard
and a six-position recording desk, which are located in the second
floor of the Northern Police Station. The new system permitted the
abandonment of signal boards in fourteen district police stations,
effecting a yearly saving in salaries of $67,536.00. In addition to this
saving, the system has greatly increased the efficiency of the Police
Department, in ways too numerous to relate in this report.

Fire Alarm System: Installed 44 fire alarm boxes, making a total
of 1582 boxes in service. Monthly tests of fire alarm boxes totaled
18,796. Total number of signals transmitted 37,104.

Traffic Signals: Automatic Stop and Go traffic signals were installed
at 25 new intersections, making a total of 209 intersections controlled
by automatic signals.

Street Signs: 172 new street signs were manufactured and installed;
335 old signs taken to shop, repaired and re-installed; 2150 signs
painted in service.

Inspection Bureau: 22,958 applications received, 67,118 inspections
made, 22,875 installations approved. Inspection fees and other revenue
received amounted to $95,242.88.

Inspections of overhead line construction totaled 4,897.

Machine Shop: There were manufactured 74 traffic signals, 41 fire
alarm boxes, 4 police boxes, 172 street signs, 4 reflector units, 3 auto-
matic timers and 1 underground terminal box.

Exposition: This department inspected and supervised all electrical
work at the Golden Gate International Exposition and not one fire
was started from electrical origin. Inspection fees totaled $15,351.20,
the cost of this work to the department was $9,248.73, leaving a new
revenue to this department of $6,102.47.

Total expenditures amounted to $224,991.68.

Real Estate Department.

During the year 1939, the Real Estate Department has acquired rights
of way for the widening of 19th Avenue between Sloat Boulevard and
Lincoln Way, the widening of Third Street between Mariposa Street
and Islais Creek, the widening of Army Street between Harrison Street
and South Van Ness Avenue, the widening of Portola Drive between
24th and 26th Streets, also between Sidney and Waitham Way, the
widening and extension of Adam and Eve Streets, Silver Avenue,
Bernal Heights Boulevard and O'Shaughnessy Boulevard. Lands have
also been purchased for various schools, playgrounds and parks, includ-
ing a parcel for the Palace of Fine Arts grounds. Work has been

( 51 )

started to acquire a 100 foot right of way for widening Lombard Street
between Richardson Avenue and Van Ness Avenue.

The acquisition of property for widening 19th Avenue has been com-
pleted and all buildings removed from the right of way.

Agreements have been entered into for the rental and purchase of
additional lands for the Aquatic Park and Yacht Harbor. The City
has purchased one parcel for each of these projects and has the right
to buy the remaining parcels over a period of years.

The last parcel under the agreement with Mills Estate has been
purchased for the San Francisco Airport. About 20 acres of land at
the airport have been conveyed to the United States of America for a
Coast Guard Aviation Station.

The Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco has
purchased land from the City for the low rental housing projects at
Holly Park and Potrero Hill. Negotiations are under way for the con-
veyance of certain land to the Housing Authority for the Sunnydale
project in exchange for other lands required for McLaren Park.

A number of new leases of City owned lands and buildings have been
awarded at a total annual rental of about $8,000.00.

The Department has purchased 125 parcels of land for the various
City projects at a cost of $719,185. A total sum of $129,352 has been
received by the City from the sale of 24 parcels of real property.
Approximately $144,000 has been collected as miscellaneous rentals.
About $46,000 revenue has been earned by the Civic Auditorium despite
the fact that many free conventions were held in the building.

Sealer of Weights and Measures.

The report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the calendar
year shows:

Scales sealed, 17,793; adjusted, 735; condemned, 237; confiscated, 55;
total, 18,820.

Weights tested, 21,282; adjusted 28; condemned, 10; confiscated, 59;
total, 21,379.

Lineal and liquid measures tested, 26,398; adjusted, 1; condemned,
12; confiscated, 20; total, 26,431.

Gasoline pumps inspected, 3,515; adjusted, 27; condemned, 61; con-
fiscated, 1; total, 3,604.

Merchandise in packages re-weighed, 210,879; condemned, 216; total,
211,095.

Complaints received and adjusted, 29; establishments visited, 11,177;
certificates issued, 9,473.

Arrests, 5; convictions, 5; fines, $125.00.

The past year was outstanding in that the businessmen, more than
ever, have co-operated with the Department fully, in the effort to deal
honestly with the purchasing public. Complaints were few. Weighing
and measuring devices of today protect the public splendidly.

Department of Public Works.

The following major projects were completed during the calendar
year 1939:

Public Buildings.

San Francisco Building. Treasure Island, interior construction, ex-
hibits, murals, etc., $250,000.00.

San Francisco Hospital. Alterations to Maternity and Psychopathic

( 52 )

Building and new garage building. Additions to laundry, improvement
of grounds, elevator shafts and cubicles, roads, etc., gate shelters, and
alterations to present gate and fence. Alterations and additions to
present Service Buildings at an estimated cost of $358,331.00.

Laguna Honda Home. New garage building, new elevators, alterations
to Infirmary Building and Nurses' Home, new switchboard and trans-
formers and X-ray equipment, at an estimated cost of $142,825.00.

Hassler Health Home. New Children's Building, new ward buildings,
duplex residence for nurses, doctors' residence and dormitory ward
buildings, at an estimated cost of $336,464.00.

Laguna Honda Home. At the present time, new ward buildings are
being constructed and will be completed in the latter part of January
at an estimated cost of $900,000.00. Bids will be received in the early
part of January for the rehabilitation of the Male Attendants' Building
at an estimated cost of $64,000.00.

The hospital buildings completed and under construction were
financed by a bond issue in 1938 together with grant received from the
Federal Emergency Administration in the amount of 45 per cent of the
actual cost of said construction. The total amount to be expended on
hospital buildings, together with necessary furnishings and equipment,
is estimated at $2,283,000.

School Buildings.

A School Building Program in the amount of $5,475,559.00 is now
under way and all buildings will be completed prior to June 30, 1940.
The money was derived from the School Bond issue, common school
funds and a P.W.A. Grant in the amount of 45 per cent of construc-
tion cost. The following schools have been completed to date: Portola
Jr. High School Auditorium, $75,000.00; Lawton School Auditorium and
Kindergarten, $87,827.00; Visitacion Valley Kindergarten, $25,000.00;
Glen Park School Kindergarten, $22,000.00; Mission High School Ath-
letic Field, $49,000.00; George Washington High School Gymnasium and
Athletic Field, $450,000.00; Marina Jr. High School Auditorium Build-
ing, $200,000.00.

The following schools are under construction and will be completed
prior to June 30, 1940: George Washington High Auditorium, $375,-
000.00; San Francisco Junior College Academic Building, $1,500,000.00;
San Francisco Junior College Gymnasium Building, $400,000.00; Samuel
Gompers Trade School, $200,000.00; F. S. Key Kindergarten Building.
$50,000.00; F. S. Key Auditorium Building, $75,000.00; Horace Mann
Junior High Gymnasium Building and Cafeteria, $150,000.00; Abraham
Lincoln Academic Building, $700,000.00; Outer Mission District (James
Denman High School) Academic Building, $700,000.00; Outer Mission
District (James Denman High School) Gvmnasium Building,
$170,000.00.

Boulevards and Streets.

The following projects were completed or construction started during
the year 1939 with moneys derived from the first yA cent gas Tax: Park
Presidio Boulevard, from Golden Gate Park to the Presidio, $108,000.00;
19th Avenue, Lawton to Taraval under way, $200,000.00; The Alemany
Boulevard between Bayshore Highway and the Mission "Viaduct was
reconstructed with moneys available from the 1927 Boulevard Bond
Issue at a cost of $20,000.00; Bernal Avenue repaved at a cost of
$47,000.00; Alemany Boulevard paved at a cost of $22,000.00; Junipero
Serra Boulevard, from St. Francis Circle to County line was repaved
at a cost of $17,000; 19th Avenue extension from Sloat Boulevard to
Junipero Serra Boulevard at a cost of approximately $30,000. The cost
of paving these boulevards was derived from the 1927 Boulevard Bond
Issue.

( 53 )

Sewage Treatment Plants.

The Richmond Sunset Sewage Treatment Plant which was completed
at the end of 1938, was placed in operation in April of 1939, the cost
of which amounted to $986,000. This plant is one unit of a complete
system for treatment of all sewage of the City, and other units will
follow as fast as funds are provided.

Special Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund —

Second '/j Cent Gas Tax.

The following streets were widened and repaved by W.P.A. forces
with sponsorship from the Special Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund:
Bay Street, Polk to The Embarcadero, widened at a cost of $22,000.00;
Columbus Avenue, Montgomery to Bay, widened at a cost of $36,120.00;
Townsend Street, The Embarcadero to 3rd, widened and repaved at a
cost of $11,400.00; Fulton Street, Franklin to Lyon, widened at a cost
of $22,000.00; Divisadero, Waller to Clay, widened at a cost of $33,-
000.00; 11th Street, Market to Division, widened at a cost of $25,000.00.

Street Widening with County Road Funds.

The following streets were widened and repaved by the W.P.A.
forces, with sponsorship from the County Road fund, as follows: Castro
Street, 24th to 26th Streets, widen, $4,500.00; Franklin, Market to Bay,
widen, $42,000.00; Townsend, 3rd to 4th— widen and repave, $1,675.00;
Fulton, Lyon to Masonic — widen, $3,600.00; Irwin, 7th to 8th — recon-
structed, $9,300.00; Clay — Waller to Frederick, sewer and pavement,
$6,700.00; Jefferson, Hyde 500' Westerly, $5,000.00; Buena Vista Avenue,
widen one side, $1,100.00; Bernal Heights Boulevard, grading and
paving, $20,000.00; O'Shaughnessy Boulevard, grading, $7,000.00.

The following projects were completed during the year by contract,
with moneys derived from the Special Gas Tax Street Improvement
Funds:

Polk Street, Market intersection— widen, $42,000.00; Third Street-
Market to Harrison — widen, $14,000.00; Army, Bryant to Harrison —
widen, $28,000.00; Fourth Street, Channel to Third— repave, $6,000.00;
Taraval Street underpass — reconstruct, $14,000.00; Market Street — 10th
to Van Ness, $8,500.00.

During the year of 1939 street work was performed under private
contract and paid for by the property owners in an amount in excess
of $100,000.00.

With new motor driven apparatus our streets are in much better
condition than ever before in the history of San Francisco. During the
year 3,196,766 sq. ft. asphalt repairs have been made on streets of San
Francisco at a cost of $155,210.00. In addition to asphalt repairs of
the public streets, many blocks have been resurfaced during this year.

Building Operation.

During the year 1939, 2345 new home buildings were constructed at a
cost of $9,968,616. In addition to new home building, 4,630 permits were
issued for alterations to existing buildings at a cost of $3,070,124.00.
There was also constructed during the year five Class "A" buildings,
8 Class "B" buildings and 92 Class "C" buildings at a cost of $3,223,-
682.00. The privately owned building operations increased during the
year 1939, $1,809,645.00 over a like period in the year 1938.

Department of Public Health.

The outstanding activity of this department during the year 1939
was the supervision of the public health at Treasure Island, Golden
Gate International Exposition. Prior to the opening of the Exposition

( 54 )

measures were instituted to prepare for the handling of millions of
guests who visited San Francisco during this period.

A survey of conditions in hotels and restaurants was undertaken.
This included an examination of food-handling employees, including
laboratory examinations of specimens obtained from individual em-
ployees. The survey was particularly directed at the possibilities of
carriers capable of spreading amebic dysentery. Four hundred persons
were examined; 14 or 3.7 per cent were found to be positive. These
people were eliminated from food-handling activities.

In addition to investigation of food handlers, a cross-connection
survey of all hotels in San Francisco was conducted. Examination of
plumbing disclosed the fact that within the 650 major hotels inspected,
82 or 12.6 per cent were found to have a total of 1,501 hazards in the
form of faulty plumbing. All of these were eliminated prior to the
opening of the Exposition.

As an added precaution, the routine bacteriological examinations of
our drinking water were increased to four times weekly, and broadened
in scope to include a larger range of storage and flow.

In addition to the pre-Exposition preparations, it was necessary for
the Department to formulate a special inspection group to supervise
the construction of eating establishments and other buildings coming
under our supervision, including all plumbing work, the installation
of high pressure and domestic water supply, and the construction and
proper location of sewage disposal unit and outfall. All this work was
done prior to the opening of the Exposition.

During the time that the Exposition was open, beginning February
18th and ending October 29th, many problems arose, some of which
were potential major calamities, but because of the alert and constant
public health supervision, these problems were met and properly han-
dled before any serious conditions could result.

Three hundred and nineteen concessionaires operated directly under
the Department of Public Health, and the services necessary for proper
inspection included meat and food inspection, milk inspection, housing
inspection, industrial inspection, plumbing inspection, examination of
water supply, refuse collection and disposal, general sanitation of
grounds and buildings, and medical inspection and supervision of
premises such as the Incubator Baby show and Infant Parking Station.

During the operation of the Exposition the unit investigated nine
dog bites, one snake bite and three monkey bites; cooperated success-
fully with Exposition officials, and endeavored to minimize expense to
this group as much as possible, keeping in mind at all times the
endeavors of all to make the Exposition a financial success.

Rat control was maintained throughout the entire period. Prior to
the Exposition opening, the sea walls surrounding the grounds were
poisoned thoroughly on three different occasions, and during the Ex-
position close observation was made daily for indications of rat infes-
tation and breeding. Beginning September 12th the Exposition Company
employed one man who, under the supervision of the Health Depart-
ment, trapped 788 rats up to and including October 29th, the closing
date. Traps were the only means of eradication that could be employed,
as it was obviously impossible and dangerous to use poisons or other
methods.

During the operation period, approximately 21,500,000 meals were
served at Treasure Island by sixty restaurants, and of this number
only thirty-seven complaints were received as to faulty foodstuffs.
Sixteen alleged food-poisoning cases were reported, and of this number
only seven proved to be genuine. In this respect it is well to mention
that these seven cases were all caused by the same food, a minced egg

( 55 )

and olive sandwich. As a result, investigation has brought forth condi-
tions previously existing in the wrapped sandwich business that were
potential hazards. As a result of this piece of work in connection with
the World's Fair, this industry will in the very near future inaugurate
changes that will be followed throughout the entire country.

In addition to the restaurants, there were 164 stands from which food
was purveyed. These included almost every conceivable type of food
and drink.

Another activity closely supervised was the catering service rendered
to two hundred official functions, at which over 90,000 persons were
served in groups of from ten to 2,400. These functions were supervised
by an inspector in the kitchen during the preparation of the food and
remaining on the premises until the last guest was served. It is worthy
of note that of these 90,000 persons served, not one case of illness
resulted.

During the operation of the Exposition, this unit inspected 80,000
pounds of ground meat, 400,000 pounds of frankfurters, 4,000,000
frankfurter buns, and 600,000 hamburger buns, which were used for
560,000 hamburgers and 4,000,000 hot dogs served on Treasure Island.

The inspection service condemned 5,338 pounds of assorted foodstuffs;
and 15,991 pieces of foodstuff such as bread, pies, buns, etc.; and in
addition thereto condemned six gallons of liquids.

During the operation of the Fair, 163 samples of water, 115 samples
of ice cream and 15 samples of miscellaneous foodstuffs were examined.

There were 143,944 gallons of milk, 34,145 gallons of cream and 7,729
gallons of chocolate milk inspected.

Inspections were made daily of all rest room facilities, ferry boat
washrooms, and practically every building operating on Treasure
Island.

Restaurants were visited on an average of at least three times each
day.

One of the outstanding serious situations that confronted the De-
partment was the delivery of a shipment of psittacine birds from
Australia prior to the opening of the Exposition without the permission
of the Department of Public Health. This shipment of birds was actively
infected with psittacosis, and many died at Treasure Island. The De-
partment had to act quickly, quietly and remove and destroy all these
birds before any illness was transmitted to human beings, and certainly
before the Exposition was opened to the public.

During the months of August and September, a serious fly infestation
occurred, but our inspectors successfully abated the nuisance in a short
while by proper advice to Exposition officials and supervision of em-
ployees assigned to the eradication of the flies.

Mosquito control was exercised at all times, and we were able to
prevent serious infestation by this insect.

One of the outstanding achievements of the inspection service unit
was the supervision, housing and feeding of twelve hundred boys of
the 4-H Cattle Club between the ages of eight and eighteen, for a period
of one week. This group was served 25,200 meals and not one case of
illness occurred.

During the operation of the Golden Gate International Exposition
there was no appreciable increase in communicable diseases in San
Francisco.

All of this inspection service and public health control was accom-
plished without additional costs to the taxpayer.

The building program enlarging the institutions which was made

( 56 )

possible by the bond issue is nearly complete. This includes the new
hospital unit and clinic at the Laguna Honda Home, reconstruction of
the nurses' home and the reconstruction of a building for male em-
ployees at the Hassler Health Home, the ward building for male
patients and children's ward. The dormitory ward for female patients
will be complete early in February, 1940. The building program of the
San Francisco Hospital includes the reconstruction of the service
building including dining rooms, dietetic department, kitchens, pharm-
acy and x-ray.

Although the total reported cases of communicable diseases during
the calendar year will slightly exceed that of last year, nevertheless an
analysis of the facts reveals that this is largely due to the epidemic of
measles which spread throughout the State. This outbreak exceeded all
previous records.

Venereal disease continues to be of interest to the public and the
medical profession as the national campaign progresses. During this
year we received assistance from the State Department of Public
Health in the creation of a new clinic. Opened in March, it was
equipped, staffed, and maintained by the State Department of Public
Health until July 1st when the City and County assumed the respon-
sibility.

The pre-marital and pre-natal laws recently passed by the State
Legislature became effective September 19, 1939. These made necessary
new machinery providing facilities for such service. Plans were per-
fected by the medical profession, the medical clinics, and the Depart-
ment of Public Health, to the end that this work may be performed
with the least difficulty to the citizen.

The occurrence of several cases of smallpox in neighboring counties
stimulated the vaccination program so that a total of almost ten thou-
sand children were vaccinated in the schools and health centers. No
case of the disease occurred in San Francisco, however. There were
forty-six hundred children who received immunization against diph-
theria. Over six thousand tuberculin tests were done in the schools and
thirty-six early cases of tuberculosis were discovered and removed from
school and either hospitalized or put under medical care at home.

During the year this department succeeded through the cooperation
of the owners in having sixty structures demolished and the lots
thoroughly cleaned.

At Hunters Point District Shrimp Camps there were twenty-three
structures, two piers and four drying platforms demolished. Repairs
were ordered on four structures used for housing. This work has
eliminated rat harbors and cleaned up a very insanitary condition.

In addition, in one block twenty-seven nondescript shacks and sheds
were ordered demolished and on September 5, 1939 the entire block
was cleaned.

For the fiscal year 1938-39 Social Service Division handled a total
of 21,500 cases. Of these 5,872 were discharged through Social Service
and 1,529 went to private care.

Fifty-eight non-resident cases were sent to their places of legal resi-
dence. According to report of the statistician, this saved the City and
County of San Francisco 11,161 hospital days or a cost of $29,283.03.

The Department maintained its record established in recent years in
the number of scientific articles published. The Director of Public
Health and his associates prepared numerous articles for publication
among which was the Health Officers' Manual which has received na-
tional recognition. The articles published were:

Trichinelliasis and Carnivorous Mammals (Bears). Report of Seven
Cases from Bear Meat.

( 57 )

Syphilis from the Public Health Officer's Viewpoint.

Administrative Problems in Connection with Psittacosis and the
Importation of Australian Parrots.

San Francisco Hotels are Examined for Cross Connections.

The Problem of the Hard of Hearing School Child.

Suggestions Concerning Selection, Construction and Operation of
Recreational Camps.

Articles on Prison or Locked Hospital Ward.

Typhoid Fever and Vegetable Juices.

Convalescent Serum in Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis.

A Unique and Effective Determination of the Extent and Degree of
Pollution by Sewage of the West and North Shores of the City and
County of San Francisco.

Articles Appearing in the Monthly Bulletin of the San Francisco
County Medical Society on Various Public Health Subjects.

Health Service System.

The first year of operation of Plan 1 of the Health Service System
was completed October 1, 1939. Prior to its effective date the plan had
been approved by the Retirement Board and upheld by the Supreme
Court of the State.

Under its provisions the services of over 1,100 doctors of medicine
and all but one of the local hospitals were made available for the
medical protection of the municipal employees of San Francisco, the
employees of the Board of Education, and their dependents.

The average monthly membership for the year was 9,771 employees,
3,090 adult dependents and 1,792 minor dependents. Most of the adult
dependents are spouses. This is a total average monthly membership
of 14,653. The total as of December 1, 1939, had increased to nearly
16,000.

Rates of contribution were $2.50 monthly, each, for employees and
adult dependents, $1.50 for one minor dependent and $1.00 each if the
employee brought more than one minor into the system. The rate for
employees and adult dependents remains unchanged, but that for
minor dependents has been increased to $1.50 each regardless of the
number enrolled by the employee. In the future, however, those em-
ployees wishing to bring minor children under the service will be re-
quired to bring them all in or none. The adjustment of the rate on
children was made because the Board found that their cost to the
system was entirely out of proportion to the amount contributed for
them.

Exemption from membership was granted by the Health Service
Board to employees with religious objections and to those who could
demonstrate that they had made some other provision for adequate
medical care.

Of all the employees entitled to benefits under the plan, 65 per cent
availed themselves of the service of a doctor. Similar figures on depend-
ents revealed that 77 per cent of the adults and 89 per cent of the
minors received the attention of a doctor during the year. The average
for the three groups was over 70 per cent. This meant that upward of
10,000 individual cases were handled under the service. The cost of
these cases ranged all the way from two and a half units for one office
visit up to several hundred dollars for doctor, hospital, x-ray, clinical
laboratory and ambulance bills. Many employees were saved from

( 58 )

indebtededness that would have kept them in financial straits for
months, or even years.

In payment for these services the Board disbursed, through the office
of the Controller, a total of $355,500. This included operation of the
Health Service's own physio-therapy department. Doctors of medicine
received approximately $242,000; hospitals, $81,000; x-ray and clinical
laboratories and other agencies of auxiliary medical care, $26,600.

Payment to the doctors is made on a so-called unit basis. Each service
the doctor renders is evaluated in terms of units according to a fixed
schedule of fees. The maximum value of a unit under the plan is one
dollar. The unit value varied during the year from 50 cents for the
winter months of January and March to the maximum for October,
November and December of 1938. The average for the twelve months
was 66 cents.

As the activities of this office increased it became evident that it
could not continue to function efficiently without more space. As more
space was not available in the City Hall, adequate quarters were pro-
vided on the third floor of the Civic Auditorium.

Public Welfare Commission.

The Public Welfare Commission, created by Charter amendent in
1937, is a policy-forming and supervisory body directing the activities
of the Public Welfare Department. It has a grave and ever-increasing
responsibility. The welfare of over 17,000 of San Francisco's men,
women and children is dependent upon that Commission. Its five mem-
bers meet at least twice a month to consider the problems and solve
the difficulties inherent in disbursing annually between six and seven
million dollars of federal, state and county funds for the benefit of
those who are unable to care for themselves.

The Public Welfare Department is the agency of your City and
County government that is charged with the responsibility of the ad-
ministration of two distinct types of public assistance: (1) Aid to
Indigents or Unemployables, the cost of which is borne wholly by the
taxpayers of San Francisco and (2) Aid to three categories of needy
persons eligible under the Social Security Act to public assistance,
namely, the Needy Aged, Needy Children, and Needy Blind, for which
the San Francisco taxpayer supplies approximately 30% of the funds;
the State of California. 30%; and the Federal Government the remain-
ing 40%. The three needy groups are sometimes known as the "Cate-
gorical Aids."

The Department of Public Welfare during the calendar year just
ended authorized the disbursement of $5,785,000 which was distributed
to the Needy Aged, the Needy Children, the Needy Blind, and the
Indigents. The cost of administration was $451,500, bringing the grand
total to $6,236,500. The following tabulated statement shows how the
money was divided between the recipients, the parts that were pro-
vided by Federal and State subventions, and the portion that was paid
from City and County tax funds.

( 59 )

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( 60 )

The City and County's share of Old Age Assistance is usually about
30% of the total cost of that type of aid. It was reduced to 23% during
the last calendar year because the State made a specific grant of
$6,000,000 to assist the counties of the State in meeting this particular
item of cost. The special grant was applicable only during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1939.

I am grateful to the five members of the Public Welfare Commission,
recognized as authorities on matters concerning relief and social wel-
fare, not only throughout the State of California but by the Federal
authorities as well, for their devotion to those in our City and County
who are unable to provide for themselves. California leads the Nation
and San Francisco leads the State in providing for its needy. But I call
your attention to the word "Needy." The mistaken idea prevails in a
great many quarters that the monthly check that averages almost
$33.00 for our San Francisco's Needy Aged is a "Pension" and that
type of aid is often erroneously referred to as an "Old Age Pension."
The Federal Social Security Act and the Social Security Law of the
State of California specifically provides that every eligible "person
residing in the State, if in need, shall be entitled to aid in old age from
the State." A pension is a right. Under our law Old Age Assistance is a
privilege and not a right.

The Public Welfare Department is by law required to investigate
each and every applicant and to approve only those who are found to
be "Needy" within the meaning of the Federal and State statutes. If,
by chance, an applicant happens to be approved who is subsequently
found to be ineligible because he or she, or a responsible relative was
able to provide for that applicant, they are all liable under the law,
which provides for recovery of "such portion of aid granted, as said
relative is able to pay and . . . the payment of any sums which
may become due in the future for which the relative may be
liable." The same regulations apply to applicants for Aid to Needy
Children and Aid to Needy Blind. There is no such thing as an "Old
Age Pension," a "Widow's Pension" or a "Pension to the Blind" under
the Social Security Law that governs the Categorical Aids in the Public
Welfare Department. I am happy to state it is the policy of the Public
Welfare Commission of the City and County that every person in San
Francisco, eligible for public assistance, be given the maximum amount
for which he or she is eligible within the shortest possible time and
that every ineligible person who secures, or attempts to secure, the
assistance that is provided for needy eligibles be penalized as provided
by law.

The reason for this just and logical policy is obvious. Ten years ago
the cost to the City and County for those dependent upon public
assistance, exclusive of institutional care which is not now contained
in the budget of the Public Welfare Department, was $251,200 or 1%
of the budget. For the calendar year just ended it was more than 11
times that amount, $2,836,700 or about iy2% of the budget. Each year
it will be greater because of the normal increase in the number of
recipients. These figures refer only to that portion that is paid from
tax funds of the City and County and do not take into consideration
the Federal and State subventions.

Aid to Needy Aged. Over 60% of all the disbursements of the Public
Welfare Department are for the benefit of our Needy Aged. At the
present time slightly over 10,000 eligible aged San Franciscans receive
monthly assistance checks. During the year just ended almost 1,000
new cases were added to the Needy Aged rolls. Our greatest increase
in the disbursements of the Department will be found in caring for the
Needy Aged.

Aid to Needy Children. This is the only one of the three categorical
aids financed from federal, state and local funds under the Social
Security Act where California fails to lead the nation in generosity.
The Public Welfare Department administers aid to only one class of

( 61 )

dependent children — the half-orphans whose fathers are dead or have
been declared presumptively dead by court action. The other classes of
needly children are granted aid through the Dependency Division of
the Juvenile Court.

In San Francisco, the Public Welfare Commmission has not been
unmindful of our needy children. There is provided in the budget of
the Public Welfare Department from City and County tax funds, over
and above the Federal and State grants, what is known as "Supple-
mental Aid for Needy Children." Last year it amounted to $64,500.
Adding that amount to the federal and state grants, and the funds
provided by the City and County, we were able to provide an over-all
average per child of $22.15 per month or about 40% more than the
average for the state.

Aid to Needy Blind. During the past year there has been a continuous
effort to ameliorate the conditions of our handicapped citizens afflicted
with the loss of sight. The Department has been able to increase its
service to this group because of an increase in staff. Because it is
believed that meeting the physical needs is not the real answer to their
problems, a constant effort has been made toward rehabilitation. The
department has cooperated with agencies whose major function is this
type of constructive effort.

Aid to Indigents. The responsibility of caring for indigent persons
is confined to those termed "Unemployables" and who have a County
residence of one year and a State residence of three years, the State
residence being independent of public or private assistance prior to
application for relief. Under the Act granting aid to the indigent, relief
may be extended for a temporary period only to non-residents, persons
who do not have three years' independent residence in the State prior
to application for relief. Non-residents may receive aid according to an
ordinance of the Board of Supervisors, for sixty days, with the provi-
sion that ninety days may be allowed in cases of illness. At the present
time, the Department is providing assistance for 3653 indigent cases of
which 319 are non-residents.

State Relief Administration. Aside from the public assistance pro-
vided by the Public Welfare Department to the Needy Aged, Needy
Children, Needy Blind and the Indigents or the Unemployables, the
State Relief Administration, which maintains a county office in San
Francisco, administers aid to the needy employable persons and their
dependents. Aid is extended principally by direct relief payments in
cash which amount to about $40 per month for family cases and $19.00
per month for single persons. That agency is providing care for approx-
imately 5000 families and 6500 single persons. This is the only agency
of government in the City and County that has the authority to certify
eligible employment persons to the Work Projects Administration, a
Federal agency that has conducted an excellent work relief program
in San Francisco for the past four and a half years, and is presently
providing jobs for over 10,000 persons in San Francisco. The State
Relief Administration also supervises the distribution of surplus com-
modities in the City and County.

Coroner.

The Coroner submits his report, covering the period January 1-
November 1, 1939, in which I note the following pertinent items:

Cases handled, 2404, as against 2253 for the similar period in 1938.
Inquests held, 2404; jurors summoned and serving, 697; autopsies per-
formed, 1976; pathological examinations, 1942; toxicological examina-
tions, 1560.

An increase of six motor vehicle fatalities is shown, 93 as against 87
last year. Sixty-one were pedestrians, and 36 happened at intersections.
Three quarters of these fatalities occurred at night, one quarter during
daylight. Children under fifteen, 8, as against 2 in 1938.

( 62 )

I am happy to note that, in this group, no deaths occurred to school
children going to and from school, or in zones patroled by school boy
traffic officers. On the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, 3 accidents
accounted for 7 fatalities.

Suicides showed a marked decrease, 175, compared with 202, but
homicides increased, 23, as against 16.

Accidental falls, 131, showed a decrease of 13; streetcar fatalities, 8;
occupational fatalities, 26; steam railroad fatalities, 5.

Money received for certification of papers-deposited with the Treas-
urer, $1044; amount received at auction sale of uncalled-for effects of
deceased persons and deposited with the Treasurer, $173.76. Coroner
Leland reports 157 cases in which cirrhosis of the liver was found, due
to overindulgence in intoxicants.

Coroner's juries made 39 recommendations, mostly concerning the
need of safety lines on heavily traveled thoroughfares and intersec-
tions; insufficient lighting and warning signals and a better system of
lighting and traffic signals along the Embarcadero, where the operation
of the State Belt Line Railway increases the hazards of drivers. Also
recommended is a suitable center ridge or dividing demarcation, on the
roadway of Golden Gate Bridge, where speed is highest.

Referring to the death of Arthur B. Barker, while attempting to
escape from the Federal prison on Alcatraz Island, in January, 1939,
the jury recommended a drastic improvement in the method of guard-
ing prisoners; also, that a more efficient system be adopted for the
illumination of the shores and waters surrounding the prison. And,
that our citizens unite in an effort to have a more suitable site selected
for convicts of the type now housed on Alcatraz.

During the year, great numbers of the medical profession, sojourning
here for the Exposition, expressed praise for the work in the post
mortem, pathology and toxicology departments, and in the Mortuary
Building, which was most highly commended.

Juvenile Probation Department.

The Children's Program of the Juvenile Court during the fiscal year
1938-1939 gave financial and protective care to 1414 new cases of which
661 were delinquent children and 753 dependent and neglected. An
average of 151 delinquent children have been maintained during the
past year in foster homes and institutions at a cost of $36,725.04. An
average of 2461 dependent and neglected children were maintained in
foster homes and institutions or in the homes of parents or relatives at
a cost of $568,008.96.

The Probation Department also handled 209 boys and girls whose
homes were in other states and returned 23 at county expense. For this
group plus dependent and neglected children sent to relatives and
parents, the total amount expended by the county for transportation
was $1,517.42. This makes a total of $606,251.42 expended through the
Juvenile Court for this type of maintenance and care. Of this amount,
the county was reimbursed by the State of California in accordance
with the "State Aid Act for Needy Children" in the amount of
$188,971.80, and by the Federal Government under the "Social Security
Act" $41,192.53. In addition, there was collected from parents during
the fiscal year as reimbursements for county monies spent in behalf of
their children the sum of $51,048.14, making a net total of $325,03S.95
actually expended from county funds for maintenance of minor children
through the Juvenile Court. There were 93 children maintained in state
schools at a cost of $22,280.

In addition to children drawing maintenance, there was an average
of 448 delinquent and 736 dependent and neglected children being super-
vised by the Juvenile Court in their own homes. The total adminis-

( 63 )

trative cost for the fiscal year of the Juvenile Probation Office was
$81,760.99. Temporary care was given 1,489 children in the Detention
Home, the total cost of operation being $39,827.

Agricultural Commissioner.

Inspection of all inter and intrastate shipments of plants, bulbs and
seed is the responsibility of this Department. During the year 1939
the total amount of incoming nursery stock was 1165 shipments,
19,686 packages, with only 5 rejections. Nurseries inspected: 143,
Private Homes inspected: 17. Nursery stock inspected for interstate
shipment out of California: 88 shipments and 597 packages. Shipments
to points out of the United States: 117 shipments and 153 packages.

Retail Store Inspection: 2404 stores inspected for the condition of
fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey and eggs. Fruits, nuts and vegetables,
reconditioned: 728 packages, remarked, 410 packages, dumped, 120
packages. Honey reconditioned, none ; remarked, 260 jars, dumped,
none. Eggs reconditioned, none, remarked, 4,245 dozen, dumped, none.

Wholesale fruit and vegetable stores, 1,538 inspections. Recondi-
tioned, 12,063, remarked, 12,050, dumped, 15,416.

There were 3,789 shipments of fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereals, gar-
den seed, plants and other miscellaneous commodities shipped, amount-
ing to 325,743 packages.

There were 1,203 inspections of potatoes, onions, beans, rice, eggs,
butter, cheese, cereals, dried fruits, alfalfa hay, red oat hay, crushed
oats, rolled barley, bran, rice straw, corn, wheat and birdseed for
City Institutions with only 11 rejections.

The revenues taken for export work and City Institutions together
for the year will probably amount to $9,000.00.

Purchasing Department.

During 1939, a total of 52,307 purchase orders were issued involving
an expenditure of $5,691,736.38. By comparison with the previous year,
the volume of orders was greater. A summary of the number of pur-
chase orders issued and the expenditures are: General and Miscel-
laneous Departments, 28.965 orders— $2,501,300.85; Education. 5,289
orders— $610,194.49; Health Department, 5,402 orders— $808,071.92;
Utilities (exclusive of Water Department), 4,702 orders— $-1,024,314.57;
Water Department, 3,471, orders — $379,450.68; Works Progress Admin-
istration, 3,636 orders— $255,856.89 and Unemployment Relief, 842
orders— $112,546.98.

Purchasing the material, supply, equipment and contractual require-
ments for so large a municipal organization as the City, is a major
responsibility. It involves the expenditure of many millions of dollars
a year under normal conditions. It embraces thousands of items,
infinite in variety. These materials are destined for use in every
department of the Municipality, and range from staple merchandise
and standard materials to technical items that must meet the most
exacting requirements. Quality is of major importance and receives
first consideration in purchasing negotiations. The organization that
has been set up to perform this function is based on the principle of
centralized responsibility and authority. The Purchasing Department
has the complete and final responsibility for selection of vendors,
negotiation of contracts and relations with suppliers.

Since the beginning of my administration over fifty million dollars
has been expended honestly through the Purchasing Department, with
the result that the taxpayers secure the maximum value for the public
dollar. It has compiled a highly creditable record of accomplishment
over the years, and is constantly improving upon that record. And

( 64 )

it is efficient, operating at a cost of slightly over 1% of the purchase
budget.

Today, after eight years of ceaseless effort, we can lay claim to
a purchasing agency which compares favorably with private enterprise.

The repair shops for automotive equipment, etc., garages, store-
rooms and warehouses have completed their eight years of operation
as units of the Purchasing Department and continue to reflect the
Administration's policy for economical and efficient performances.

San Francisco-San Mateo Livestock Exposition Buildings.

Work has been resumed under W.P.A. project at the Livestock
Pavilion in Visitacion Valley, which will make possible the completion
of the horse barns known as Units 3-N and 3-S. This will provide a
complete operating unit on a minimum basis, when $50,000, from San
Francisco is made available in the budget. The State of California
recently allocated $130,000. from the Fair and Exposition Fund to
sponsor a portion of the W.P.A. project and make possible the con-
struction of the buildings referred to.

The date has now been definitely fixed for the opening of the Grand
National Livestock Exposition and this will be held in October, 1940.
It is the conviction of the Board of Number One-A District that ad-
ditional funds should be provided to furnish material necessary to
sponsor the construction of additional buildings under W.P.A., so as to
demonstrate the value of this project to San Francisco and the
important livestock interests, believing that such demonstration will
cause interested parties to provide additional funds to complete the
project, as originally planned.

Municipal Court.

During the period January 1 — November 15, 1939 the following is
a report of the activities of the Municipal Court of the City and County
of San Francisco: —

In 12 courts, 15,633 cases were handled in the Civil Department;
126,649 in the Criminal Department, a total of 142,282 proceedings.

Of Official and Pauper Actions, for which no fees are exacted, 337
were in the Civil Department and 143 in the Small Claims.

Receipts of the Court $224,860.24; expenditures, $205,263.65 — excess
of receipts over expenditures, $19,596.59.

Public Defender.

The Public Defender reports: total number of cases in all courts —
1263; total number of appearances — 2994; indigent persons receiving
advice in civil matters (not required by charter) — 3009.

In cases where defendants are obviously guilty of the crime with
which they are charged, the Public Defender's Office advises them to
enter a plea of guilty, thereby saving the costs incidental to trials
by jury. Of the 532 cases handled in the Superior Court, 37 were tried
by a jury.

In other cases the Public Defender's Office, when it is considered
proper, advises defendants to waive jury trial, thereby saving the City
and County expenses of juries' fees. Sixty-one of the defendants in the
Superior Court waived jury trials.

During 1939, the office of the Public Defender was conducted on the
same budget basis as in the previous year.

( 65 )

District Attorney.

During 1939, this office participated in and conducted approximately
41,000 court hearings; issued 20,500 citations; conducted 17,500 citation
hearings; was represented at all sessions of the Grand Jury during
the year, both regular and special, and collected and turned into the
City Treasurer's office in bail money the total sum of $732,635.

Also, this office participated in all Coroner's inquests wherein
suspicion of crime in connection with deaths was present, attended
all meetings of the Parole Board, all meetings of the Traffic Committee
on safety matters, met with groups of merchants and organizations
interested in the various phases of the Unfair Practices Act and prepared
and gave instructions and lectures on the same to such groups for the
purpose of averting law violations and court prosecutions.

The total cost of conducting the office for the year was $114,420. I am
informed that this is lower than that of any other District Attorney's
office of comparable size in the United States.

Of the cases handled by the office of the District Attorney in 1939,
of the 41,000 court hearings, approximately 1,500 were felony cases
that reached the Superior Court, and approximately 39,500 were mis-
demeanor cases disposed of in the Municipal Court; approximately 300
were crimes involving children, disposed of in the Juvenile Court.

Of the total number of approximately 20,500 citations issued, 11,000
were issued by the Bureau of Domestic Relations of this office, dealing
with failure to provide for minor children, indigent wives and aged
parents and similar domestic cases; 2,200 were issued by the Fraud
Bureau of this office, dealing with crimes of frauds, swindles and
violations of the Corporate Securities Act, misleading advertising and
various other rackets; 8,379 were issued by the Warrant and Bond
Office dealing with miscellaneous offenses, felony and misdemeanor
alike, and with violations of City Ordinances; 500 were issued by the
deputy in charge of the Juvenile Court work, relating particularly to
sex offenses and juvenile delinquencies. Hearings on citations were
approximately as follows: Bureau of Domestic Relations, 10,000; Fraud
Bureau, 1,950; Warrant and Bond Office, 8,000; Juvenile Depart-
ment, 450.

The Warrant and Bond Clerk's Department, aside from the issuance
of citations as above noted, prepared 47,000 complaints, and 14,000
warrants were issued upon these complaints, and by telephone and
personally answered over 13,000 requests for advice and information.

The Food and Health Bureau of this office, which investigates and
prosecutes offenders under the pure food and drug act, the State agri-
cultural code and various City Health ordinances, handled and disposed
of more than 300 cases during the year.

Out of 246 narcotic cases disposed of during the year, 227 were con-
victions. These figures pertain to proceedings in the Superior Court.

City Attorney.

During the calendar year of 1939, there was an increase in the
amount of litigation in the office of the City Attorney, carrying with it
not only a great amount of court procedure but also much advisory
discussion. This increase is shown, not only in the number of actions
filed against the City and County and its officers, but also in the matter
of defining the scope and powers of the various departments and persons
having dealings with them.

In 1939 the legal output of the office was as follows: Civil suits
received this current year, 292; Cases actually prosecuted, 119; Cases
pending trial, 507; Cases involving McEnerny Act, 18; Cases on appeal,
28; Major opinions rendered the various departments, 87.

( 66 )

LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES: During the current year, the Legisla-
ture of the State was in session and the office, in conjunction with the
Controller, maintained two representatives in Sacramento. These men
were in a position to advise both the departments and the members of
the Legislature on various matters. Many important legislative enact-
ments were accomplished through their activities.

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES: The number of cases handled by
this department continues to mount. To enable this office to represent
the interests of the City and County before the Railroad Commission,
the City Attorney maintains a rate department consisting of two valua-
tion engineers, constantly studying and preparing rates and schedules
on the several utilities. Studies on the distribution of the Hetch Hetchy
Power, preparatory to the special election of May 19, 1939, were made
and published. Various studies on electric rates, in which the engineers
of this office co-operated with the engineers of the Railroad Commission,
resulted in rate revisions, effective July 1, 1939, which benefited con-
sumers of San Francisco to the extent of $638,000 annually. The Rail-
road Commission has no jurisdiction over transbay tolls. Constant study
has been given on the operation of the Market Street Railway Company,
to determine the effect of the increase to the seven cent fare.

NUISANCES: At the request of the Board of Supervisors, the City
Attorney brought some twenty-four suits to abate existing nuisances.
This most essential work is done with the co-operation and the assist-
ance of the Board of Health, the Fire Department and the Department
of Public Works. Many old dwellings which have been a menace to the
health and safety of the community have been demolished.

EMINENT DOMAIN: At the direction of the Board of Supervisors,
71 eminent domain suits were began, affecting property within the
boundaries of the City and County of San Francisco. Most of the litiga-
tion has been in connection with the widening of 19th Avenue and the
Funston Avenue approach to the Golden Gate Bridge and 56 of these
cases have been settled, without necessity of court procedure. All litiga-
tion in regard to 19th Avenue, is now complete and the project of
widening the street is practically finished. The City Attorney has
acquired, by eminent domain, 21 parcels of property to be used for the
Holly Park Unit now being completed for the San Francisco Housing
Authority.

WATER DEPARTMENT: This year the City and County of San
Francisco has been most successful in its litigation on behalf of the
Water Department. In the first instance, the United States Circuit Court
of Appeal reversed a decision of the district court of the United States
in which the right of the City and County of San Francisco to distribute
power through the agency of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company was
questioned. The lower court held that this practice was not permissible
since it violated the terms and provisions of the Raker Act. At present,
the United States is seeking a writ of certiorari in the Supreme Court
of the United States.

In the case of the Transbay Construction Company v. The City and
County of San Francisco, an action involving damages for violation of a
contract on the raising of the Hetch Hetchy Dam was submitted to
the United States District Court last month. This case has not been
concluded and its outcome is uncertain. The amount that the Transbay
Construction Company is seeking to recover amounts to the sum of
$850,000.

The Supreme Court of the State of California recently gave its
decision in the case of Meridian Limited v. City and County of San
Francisco. This was a most important decision to the community and to
cities throughout the State as a whole, insofar as it determined the
rights of a City to store water for its use, without interference from

( 67 )

riparian owners when the latter were not damaged by the storage. At
the present time, there are pending some 15 eminent domain suits for
various water and pipe lines. Many persons are involved and important
property rights will be determined when these suits are finally
terminated.

CLAIMS: Some 467 claims for personal injuries and property damage
were received by this office. Suits have been commenced on 264 of these
claims. Many of these have been settled for minor amounts, thus
dispensing with necessity of court adjudication.

This office disposed of more cases than in any previous year, thus
catching up with a difficult situation in which the legal load was piling
up faster than it was being cleared.

However, the personal injury actions have increased this year in
large proportions. At the present, three deputies devote all their time
to the defense of the various departments from actions caused by de-
fective equipment or negligent acts of the City and County. The
number of claims and actions against the Municipal Railway has in-
creased materially due, undoubtedly, to the increased traffic handled by
the railway. The Department of Public Works has actions pending
arising from injuries on defective streets in the amount of $247,000.

BOARD OF EDUCATION: Ten cases are pending for personal in-
juries arising on the various school properties; seven involving personal
injury were settled without the necessity of court action; five cases
have been brought in eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring
necessary property for new school buildings. Six cases are pending in
which the unified school district is seeking to have itself declared the
owner of various properties which now stand in the name of the City,
but which are used for school purposes. The sole question involved is
whether the City or the School District is the owner of the respective
properties.

HOUSING AUTHORITY: The Housing Authority of the City and
County of San Francisco was organized in March, 1938. It has met
weekly. A representative of the office is present at all meetings and acts
as general counsel and legal adviser. The Authority has entered into
certain agreements with the City and County of San Francisco, provid-
ing for the elimination of sub-standard dwelling units.

Land has been acquired from the City and County of San Francisco,
for Holly Park project and land is now being acquired for Potrero and
Sunnydale projects. As counsel for the Authority, the City Attorney
examines title to all parcels acquired.

LICENSE TAXES: In the case of West Coast Advertising Company
v. City and County of San Francisco, the Supreme Court upheld the
right of the City to license for revenue. The adjustment of the license
ordinance is now pending before the Board of Supervisors.

( 68 )

Annual Message

EMaMnMniiMDnw OF ■mini ■ mum ■■■ ■« ■ ■

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO THE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF THE

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Sixth
Nineteen Forty-One

Annual Message

OF

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

s

TO THE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF THE

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Sixth
Nineteen Forty-One

Printed by

A. F. HEUER
447 Sansome Street

Letter of the Mayor

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, SAN FRANCISCO

March 17, 1941.
The Honorable
The Board of Supervisors
City Hall
Gentlemen:

I am required by provisions of Section 25 of the charter of the City
and County of San Francisco, annually to report to your Honorable
Board upon the state of municipal affairs; to comment upon outstand-
ing matters; and to make recommendations for your future consid-
eration.

Perhaps never before since adoption of the new charter, have there
been so many vitally important subjects to discuss — subjects that affect
the very life and future of this metropolis: subjects which will require
of your Honorable Board, the legislative branch of our government,
and of my official family, the administrative branch of government, the
deepest study, forthright analysis, and unbiased decision.

It has been because of my hope to report something concrete on two
or three of these, that I have delayed this long, the presentation of
this report. I beg your indulgence in this regard.

Before going into detail upon these matters, I feel it incumbent upon
me to comment briefly upon topics and occurrences of the year 1940.
In my last message I urged the citizens of San Francisco to get behind
the "Fair in '40," and pledged "all-out" support from my administra-
tion.

On September 29, 1940, the lights of the "Fair in '40" went out for-
ever after a total of six and a half million persons had passed through
its gates, and this glorious pageant became history. All honor to those
energetic citizens who put their shoulders to the wheel in making that
Exposition a success. Deserved were the public functions given in
honor of several of those leaders.

But I feel I would be remiss if I were not here and now, to pay
tribute to the members of your Honorable Board who so whole-
heartedly backed the efforts of my administration to get that "Fair
in '40" started and on its way to the complete success it was.

The City's contribution to the Fair was, as you know substantial.
It amounted to $538,857, of which $46,106 was for police protection, and
$185,381 for fire protection.

Doubtless, all of you read the financial statement released a few days
ago showing that those private subscribers who had faith enough to
invest money to make the 1940 Fair possible, received a substantial
part of their money back.

In addition to this splendid financial support extended by the City
and County to the "Fair in '40," the San Francisco Building again was
opened up and again became the mecca for hundreds of thousands of
visitors.

The primary purpose of the building was to afford the public a
restful and agreeable environment in which to become acquainted with
the progress and culture of our city. There is no question in my mind
that it accomplished just that.

And now, Treasure Island is to serve another great, if not as color-
ful a purpose. It is to become a Naval Training center in conformity
with the United States National Defense movement, and will be so used
during the period of the emergency.

All of you know of the negotiations to this end which I conducted

(3)

recently in Washington. You also know that in gratitude to the City
for its cooperation in turning over the Island for the training of units
of four to five thousand naval men at a time, the Navy Department is
to assist this city in developing the Island as a downtown airport.

The Navy is sponsoring some $1,600,000 worth of W.P.A. projects to
begin this work.

I am happy to report to you that W.P.A. money will be used and that
the W.P.A. officials in Washington have been cooperating whole-
heartedly so that this work may begin almost immediately.

While portions of the Island are being used for the training of the
youth of this country work will simultaneously be progressing on the
construction of runways, etc., for our future airport.

The lease agreement which makes this possible has been signed by
the responsible city officials and the Navy is about ready to move in.

It is not necessary to emphasize to you that this agreement means
much to San Francisco, both materially and from an advertising point
of view, since these navy lads are to be brought from all parts of the
nation to do their training right here in San Francisco. Indeed, San
Francisco already has become the center of entertainment for thou-
sands upon thousands of soldiers, sailors, and marines being trained
for national defense in various sections of the Bay area.

Following the request of your Honorable Board, I have appointed a
hospitality committee headed by Dr. Howard M. McKinley, to look
after these boys when they come to our city. Already this committee
is functioning and doing a good job. It will do a better one as it gets
into the swing of things. In the meantime, a women's committee is
meeting the trains bringing men in military service to the city. Tem-
porary headquarters have been established and ambitious plans are in
the making for continuous, efficient, and warmhearted entertainment
of these meii who are doing their bit so that the American way of
living may be preserved.

It is our plan at the moment to construct in Marshall Square a
Hospitality House for these visitors. The plans have been drawn up by
the City Architect. They provide for lounging rooms, rest rooms, dance
floor, dressing rooms, a canteen, and a registration buerau for the con-
venience of the men.

It is with pride that I assert that San Francisco leads the nation in
this endeavor to make these young men, many, many of them strangers
to San Francisco and far away from home, feel that San Francisco is
interested in them, and that the people of San Francisco still have the
warm-heartedness of the early pioneers which made the reputation of
this city famous.

I cannot permit the subject of national defense to pass without
drawing your attention to the Bay Area's participation in the gigantic
National Defense movement. Without going into detail, it is apparent
that the Federal Government has recognized the splendid facilities
offered by San Francisco and her neighbor* Our shipyards are hum-
ming with activity. New shipyards are being constructed. Industry is
reaching its peak. We are doing our bit in the cause of democracy
and this administration is cooperating whole-heartedly with the Federal
government.

Yes, and we are doing our bit without serious labor difficulty;
doing it at top speed, with efficiency and with resolute purpose.

Because this city is the headquarters for most of the labor unions
on the Pacific Coast, we have been subjected in the past, to much unfair
publicity regarding our labor relations. The slightest disagreement
that occurs in San Francisco between employer and employee is mag-
nified and broadcast to the entire nation. Unfortunately the news
associations feeding out of San Francisco have had a tendency to
"play up" labor disputes in this city to its detriment.

(4)

What happens when we have trouble here? Page One stories every-
where!

But what happens when similar disputes occur in other parts of the
state? It takes a microscope to find the news in the papers!

And yet, gentlemen, Los Angeles has infinitely more cessations of
work on account of labor disputes than does San Francisco. Mark these
figures! In 1940 San Francisco had twenty major strikes! Los Angeles
in the same period? Sixty -four.

Of course, I don't want anyone to get the impression that we don't
have trouble occasionally. In fact, we have our share of it. But level-
headed union leadership — which made this city one of the strongest
labor cities in the nation in the days gone by — is steadily overcoming
the radical leadership which tried to get us by the throat a few years
ago.

I pay tribute to these conservative leaders. I pay tribute to the rank
and file of labor in this city. They realize the seriousness of the
national situation today. They are genuinely trying to keep the
machinery of industry buzzing. A recent jurisdictional dispute at the
Bethlehem Steel Company proves that. A jurisdictional dispute that
might have led to serious halting of the national defense building pro-
gram was prevented by the saneness and willingness of the labor
leaders in this area. My hat is off to them.

And my hat is off to the employers of San Francisco, too. Due to
the understanding and broad viewpoint of Mr. Almon E. Roth,
president of the San Francisco Employers' Council, the principal of
collective bargaining has been sold to the majority of employers in
this city. The result — only twenty strikes in San Francisco during the
year 1940 as compared with thirty-nine in 1939. The lowest number of
strikes in any year since 1935. And of the twenty, jurisdictional dis-
putes caused six of them.

Increased cooperation and better understanding between labor and
employers has brought about this fine record.

And while talking of national defense and of shipbuilding, and of
waterfront activities generally, I must again address you regarding
our harbor.

For years I have been hammering home the thought that San Fran-
cisco harbor should belong to San Francisco; fighting for years to
secure for San Francisco the same privileges enjoyed by the rest of
California — the right to control and administer our own harbor.

As I said at the luncheon given in my honor at the Palace Hotel,
December 16th, a tribute I shall not soon forget — the harbor is our
front door — the entrance to our home — an all-important, vital part
of our home life.

We must continue, we will continue, our fight to have turned over
to us what is rightfully ours.

I have studied this matter minutely. I am still studying it. Con-
trary to the opinion of some, the city administration knows quite a lot
about the harbor and its condition. It has not been advocating "buying
a pig in a poke" — it knows the financial problems that must be faced
if the harbor is given to the city to control.

To listen to some, you would get the idea that this administration is
dashing hither and yon, crying out: "Let's Get Our Harbor Back."
Crying loud and long, without knowing the problems to be faced if we
do get it back!

Well, I have been a fairly successful businessman. I have been chief
executive of this city for more than ten years. I have handled a lot of
budgets not only in that ten years, but also when I was chairman of
the finance committee of the Board of Supervisors. I own a little
property in this city.

(5)

But I never bought a piece of property without looking at it or
estimating its value, its assessment, its probable taxes, and its probable
income. I never made up a budget without delving into income as
related to outlay, and I would not be advocating the return of the
harbor to municipal control if I didn't know what I was doing. I
think you gentlemen know that your Mayor is not prone either to jump
to conclusions or to act too hastily on matters affecting the life of this
city. Indeed, some have said I lean over the other way.

But be that as it may, I think my record indicates that I haven't got
this city into difficulties by precipitous action.

I have met with the legislative delegation. I have discussed harbor
control as well as the other major problems which confront us at Sac-
ramento. I think the following letter I have addressed to the Assembly
Interim Committee on Governmental Efficiency will sum up my views.
It reads as follows:

"To the Honorable the Members of the
California Assembly Committee on
Governmental Efficiency,
Sacramento, California.

Gentlemen:

"The City and County of San Francisco asks, as a matter of
simple justice, that the California Legislature return to our
control and management the State-owned waterfront which
lies within our political boundaries and which is, in fact, our
'front door.'

"Local management of port facilities is the American way of
operating harbors. Every port in California with the exception
of San Francisco, and, with very few exceptions, every port in
the United States, is operated by local management.

"State control is remote control. Under State management,
harbor commissioners are appointed by the Governor. The
Governor, of course, is responsible to all the people of Cali-
fornia. San Francisco has approximately ten percent of the
population of the State. In the Legislature we have one state
senator out of 40, and nine assemblymen out of 80. In other
words, the State-owned port of San Francisco is controlled
by its competitors.

"If San Francisco harbor cannot be locally controlled, then
why should any others have local control? I believe that
the State should either take them all over or give us back
ours. That would be the just and fair way.

"The people of San Francisco naturally are harbor-minded.
They appreciate the vital importance of our harbor to this
community, and if we are granted municipal ownership of
our own port it will be conducted in an economical and effi-
cient manner for the benefit of all the people of the State.

"San Francisco depends on the cooperation and support of
the surrounding country. We want to work, sympathetically,
with the agricultural interests of this State, and agriculture
will receive every consideration under municipal ownership of
our waterfront. State control lacks continuity of management.
State harbor commissioners almost invariably change with
every change in State administration. A long-range program
of harbor development cannot be maintained under State
management. State management is not in accord with sound
business practices. The present State setup provides no exe-
cutive head, no proper managing direction. State harbor com-
missioners are part-time officials who share their State time
with their private affairs. There is no all-time manager, with
the proper amount of power, under State control.

( 6 )

"We can hardly expect the State government to compete
aggressively with other subordinate political units of the
State where the harbors are either privately or municipally
owned. If the State harbor management in San Francisco goes
after business for the port of San Francisco in an aggressive
manner it will make the State administration unpopular in all
competing ports.

"Under State management, no money may be expended for
the direct solicitation of new business. The legal adviser of
the State Harbor Commission is the Attorney General of Cali-
fornia, who is elected by all the people of the State, many of
whom want to see their own harbor succeed even at the ex-
pense of San Francisco. The State board cannot employ its
own counsel.

"Competing ports in California are getting considerable busi-
ness that rightfully belongs to us, because of our location.
This business goes elsewhere because competing ports are
aggressively and capably managed. The port of Los Angeles
solicits business on the eastern seaboard through its traffic
manager. The privately owned as well as the publicly-owned
ports in Alameda County and other ports in California actually
solicit business in San Francisco, and other points, whereas
our State-controlled port may not expend any part of its reve-
nue for the direct solicitation of business. Under State
management the port of San Francisco is hamstrung.

"San Francisco is well prepared to assume control and
management of its own harbor. By an overwhelming vote its
people have amended the charter to set up a public utility
type of non-political administration in the event the State
grants us the power to manage our harbor.

"Under a proposed municipal harbor commission, one mem-
ber will represent agriculture while an expert harbor executive
would administer the affairs of the port in the interests of all
its patrons. This type of administration has been remarkably
successful, as is attested by the record of the San Francisco
Public Utilities Commission, which is the pattern for our pro-
posed municipal harbor administration.

"Under an able executive, our Public Utilities Commission
administers our Municipal Railway, our $100,000,000 Hetch
Hetchy water and power system, our airports. Our street rail-
way operates at a 5-cent fare without tax subsidy. Our water
department has repeatedly lowered rates while making gener-
ous contributions to the city's general fund, to pay bond
interest and redemption on Hetch Hetchy bonds. Our airports
are models.

"Still stronger evidence of San Francisco's ability to supply
business-like administration to the harbor is San Francisco's
fiscal record. San Francisco has one of the lowest tax rates,
the lowest tax delinquency and the best municipal credit of
any large city in the United States. Such a record is the fruit
of sound, economical, efficient self-government.

"San Francisco can and will give the local harbor alert, effi-
cient, interested management, anxious to attract new traffic,
solicitous to meet the wishes of shippers, and, like a well-man-
aged business, merit patronage.

"I urge you to consider that the people of California have
not one cent invested in the San Francisco harbor. Every one
of its properties has been financed from harbor revenues. The
State has merely loaned its credit.

"I urge you to consider that San Francisco is not asking
that the harbor properties be transferred to her outright. San

(7)

Francisco offers, in the measure pending before you, to assume
obligation for the State bonds outstanding on the harbor
properties, and to administer those properties in trust until
the last of the bonds is redeemed.

"It is said that the harbor is being operated at a loss and
it is therefore argued that it will cost the City considerable if
it gains local control. Well, if that is the case I say the longer
it is put off the more the cost ultimately will be. And to put
it on a business basis now would be a sound investment and
of lasting benefit to the people of San Francisco.

"I urge you to remove the shackles which bind San Fran-
cisco's just desire to administer the harbor in the interests not
only of San Francisco but of all rural California.

"I urge you as a matter of justice to free us from our present
dependency, through State control, upon our port competitors.
"I urge you to grant us what every other port in California
has, local municipal control, to the end that San Francisco
may regain and maintain for herself and for her neighbors
her proud title of 'premier Port of the Pacific'

"I urge you to give San Francisco back the key to its
'front door'."
The San Francisco delegation at Sacramento needs help. That dele-
gation needs help from you. It needs to be kept advised of the attitude
of the city government.

We are entering a new era in our relations with State government.
An era which I believe will mean much to us.

I believe the future is to show a closer relationship between the
centers of heavy population. A relationship that will tend to har-
monize the interests of these centers. That will present a united
front before the legislature upon matters of vital concern to thickly
populated areas.

With this end in view, I recently went to Los Angeles for con-
ferences with city and county officials. My reception was flattering.
I have no hesitancy in stating that never before have been the rela-
tions between the two largest cities in the state, more cordial.

Out of that visit came a call for a meeting in Los Angeles on
February 28th, of city and county officials from Alameda, San Fran-
cisco and Los Angeles.

The members of this Board know that one of the greatest problems
facing large cities today is the one involving care of the needy, sick,
blind, and unemployed. Cost of humanitarian activities is staggering.
And there seems no ceiling. These costs keep mounting every year.
It is imperative that I re-emphasize this point again this year.
In 1928-29, the expenditures for humanitarian purposes for which
San Francisco taxpayers provided the funds, totaled $2,229,146.

Yet in 1938-39, the cost to San Francisco taxpayers for the same
type of activity, was $6,130,519. In other words, a jump in ten years
of $3,791,373 made necessary in order to care for our own unfortunates.
In the current year, it was necessary to budget $6,517,970 — an in-
crease over last year of $387,451.

We must face facts and figures. We must care for our widows, our
blind, our orphans, our aged, our sick, our unemployed.

But, how to do it with a minimum of waste, of overhead, of dupli-
cated costs — that is our problem! And believe me, a very tough one to
solve.

Now, in view of the fact that this problem is more acute in the
big centers of population, I feel it should be attacked through the
medium of a program; discussed, analyzed, and agreed upon by the
officials of those heavily populated areas.

(8)

I advanced this contention during my recent visit to Los Angeles.
I am pleased to report that it received the hearty support of our
sister city's officials and as a consequence, Mr. Roger Jessup, chairman
of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors called the meeting to
which I already have referred, for February 28th. The purpose of
this meeting was obvious and, I might add, epoch making. So far as
my knowledge goes, there never has been held, heretofore, such a
get-together gathering. Here we had these three all important coun-
ties whose inhabitants have such a stake in the welfare of the State,
getting together to try and devise some program upon which they may
present a united front to the Legislature.

I believe this meeting will be the forerunner of a new-born policy
among the counties, having for its aim the deeper understanding of
each other's problems.

It is well known that the city has been negotiating with the P. G.
& E. for a lease agreement for distribution of the city's Hetch Hetchy
power, and that members of your Board have gone to Washington
with other city officials and myself in this matter.

The negotiations with the Company which if successful, will result
in San Francisco distributing its own power, have been completed.
Last Wednesday, March 12th, the proposed lease agreement was sent
to the Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes for his approval.

If the lease be approved, then San Francisco for the first year of
sale of its power, will net a minimum of $2,600,000. This sum is
gratifying, particularly since the Company is absorbing a recent rate
reduction ordered by the Railroad Commission amounting to $400,000
a year.

In my recent visit to Los Angeles with the Manager of Utilities, Mr.
E. G. Cahill, we spent two days studying the operation of the light
and power bureau of that city. Its engineers analyzed the proposed
set-up of San Francisco and seemed to think we were proceeding in
our negotiations on a sound basis.

In the meantime, I am awaiting word from the Secretary of the
Interior since I plan to go to Washington with the City Attorney
John J. O'Toole and such members of your Honorable Board as you
may designate, to discuss its clauses with the officials of the Depart-
ment of the Interior.

A copy of the lease already approved by the Public Utilities Com-
mission will be submitted to your Honorable Board for study if it is
approved by the Secretary of the Interior.

When the matter is disposed of, it will give the "Go" signal for
study and solution of many other pressing problems.

It is my determination when the Hetch Hetchy matter has been
disposed of, to move with the utmost vigor toward a solution of the
transportation problem and its kindred problem — traffic.

I have much of interest to tell you regarding transportation.

In my last annual message I stated that expansion of transportation
services was not as rapid as your city administration would like it,
since under the charter we could not make capital expenditures for
municipal car lines or bus extensions. I reiterate what I said then:
. . . "we can never solve the transportation problem until we have
a unified system with a rate of fare the same to all people."

Working to this end, I have had a series of conferences in Washing-
ton, New York and San Francisco, with representatives of the bond
holders and leading stockholders in the Market Street Railway Com-
pany. The purpose of these conferences has been to exchange views
on the possibility of the city's purchasing the Market Street Railway
system.

I am happy to report that I believe a solution of our transportation
problem, through this purchase, looms as more likely than at any time

(9)

in the past. I believe the city is now in a position to negotiate with the
Company upon the basis of a reasonable purchase price for the latter's
holdings. As far as I am concerned, the most valuable asset the Com-
pany has is the franchises voted it by the people, the majority of which
still have sixteen years to run. Can we afford to wait another sixteen
years before we solve our tangled transportation problem? I say
emphatically No!

If we can buy out the interests of the Company at a reasonable
figure and provide in the bond issue making the purchase possible,
sufficient money to re-habilitate both major transportation systems and
extend service where it is vitally needed, then I believe we will have
gone a long way toward solving transportation problems in this city,
made difficult by the extraordinary geographical and topographical
lay-out of our city.

Equally pressing in my mind, is the need to solve our sewer situa-
tion. Repeated appeals to the voters have failed to receive sanction
for sewer bond issues. With the growth of the city, both the need for
new sewer systems and the need to replace old ones, becomes impera-
tive. Something must be done to provide sewerage for the steady
growth of San Francisco.

This is not a problem peculiar to San Francisco alone. Indeed, San
Francisco's problem doesn't compare with that of our southern neigh-
bor, Los Angeles. In that city there will be submitted in April of this
year a charter amendment providing for a nine cent tax levy for
twelve years to finance a sewerage disposal program.

That's how acute the sewage problem is in the southern metropolis.
We cannot place in any one budget, too great a sum for sewage work.
We cannot overburden the taxpayer. We must soon establish a policy
regarding the financing of this sewage system, especially since, as I
have pointed out, the people will not approve a bond issue.

Whether it be a "Pay-as-you-go" plan, or another attempt to pass a
bond issue, or a sewer rental plan, as in vogue in some 100 cities
throughout the nation, some policy must be adopted. My administra-
tion is giving this matter deep study. Out of it must come some
method that will properly handle our sewerage problem.

San Francisco enjoys a real distinction as a healthy city. We cannot
afford, through failure to deal with this matter fearlessly, to invite an
epidemic.

As you may readily realize, I have touched upon, ever so briefly,
some of the major problems of city government. Problems that are be-
ginning to agitate many of our citizens. Problems that have been be-
fore us over a period of years. Problems that cannot be solved without
money.

But there is developing in the minds of the people of San Francisco
a thought which, to me, is most encouraging. There seems to be a
growing desire, particularly on the part of those who pay the heaviest
taxes, to set up a Master Plan for the development of San Francisco.
That is a good sign. That indicates progress. That indicates foresight.
It indicates an abiding faith in the future of San Francisco.

Yes, I will admit there is much to be done. Much to be done in San
Francisco just as there is much to be done in any live, progressive city
in the United States. But I affirm that much has been done.

San Francisco never has stood still. Even through the dark years
of the depression we have forged ahead. We have not neglected, as far
as our finances would permit, needed and vital improvements. Our
schools, our playgrounds, our parks, our public buildings, and boule-
vards and widened streets, all of these are eloquent testimony backing
up that statement.

And while we forged ahead with the vital things, we did not forget
our poor, our sick, our unemployed.

(10)

Nor have we forgotten the grave problem which confronts every
metropolis — the problem of guiding and caring for our boys and girls.
The "Dead End Kids," as they have been called.

The Coordinating Council, headed by Mr. Frank Sloss, is doing fine
work in the field of Juvenile delinquency and in its endeavor to pre-
vent such delinquency. Nine district councils have been set up in
various sections of the city, and the Council is actively cooperating in
every move aimed to give healthful recreation to our youth and to
guide our children in the right direction.

Of course, there are some who cannot see where anything has been
done! This type of person is always with us! So, to quote the "Happy
Warrior," Al Smith — "Let's Look at the Record."

Take our school program alone. A program amounting to nearly
$5,475,559 was completed prior to the opening of the school term in
August, 1940. The following schools were completed under this pro-
gram: San Francisco Junior College, science building and two gym-
nasiums; George Washington High, gymnasium, athletic field and
auditorium building; Abraham Lincoln High, academic building;
James Denman Jr. High, academic, shop and gymnasium buildings;
Samuel Gompers Trade School; Marina Jr. High, auditorium building;
Horace Mann, gymnasium and cafeteria building; Mission High, ath-
letic field; Portola Jr. High, auditorium building; Francis Scott Key,
kindergarten building and auditorium; Glen Park, kindergarten build-
ing; Lawton Elementary School additions, and Visitacion Valley kin-
dergarten building.

In addition, final plans have been completed, and approved by the
Board of Education for the construction of a gymnasium building
estimated to cost $250,000 for Abraham Lincoln High School; final
plans have been completed and approved for the construction of a
girls' gymnasium building, estimated to cost $125,000 for Lowell High
School, heating equipment plant installed at a cost of $9,719 at the
Bay View School; roads and paths at the Junior College have been
constructed at a cost of $22,587; installation of ventilating system at
the Sunshine Orthopedic and Health Schools, and excavation of a
school site for the Ulloa School.

Turning to other major improvements, I draw attention to the fact
that $2,500,000 was spent during the year on the Laguna Honda Home
and on several of our hospital buildings.

Certainly this record does not indicate we are standing still!

And here are some more to ponder over. I will merely recount a few
of the other major improvements accomplished in 1940: The widening
of Nineteenth Avenue; paving of Bay Shore Boulevard from Waterloo
to Islais Creek; the widening of Portola Drive; construction of a cross
connecting road; Nineteenth Avenue to Park Presidio Boulevard in
Golden Gate Park; special improvements on Sixteenth Avenue and the
Presidio Wall; sewer installation on Bay Shore Boulevard, Waterloo
to Islais Creek; on Alemany Boulevard from Crescent Avenue to Bay
Shore; extension of the Ingleside sewer and section 1 of the Visitacion
Valley Sewer; replacement of the Ingleside Sanitary Sewer Trestle;
construction of the Hassler Health Home main sewer to the Bay; con-
struction of mooring dock at the Aquatic Park; and construction of
Sea Cliff Pumping Station Number 2; completion of the construction
of O'Shaughnessy Boulevard.

In case this is not a convincing enough list for the "Doubting
Thomases," here are some more major projects completed during the
past year: The repaving of Post Street from Market to Taylor and the
widening of Post Street from Van Ness to Presidio Avenue ; of Presidio
Avenue from Post Street to Geary Boulevard; the widening and re-
paving of Ninth Street from Market to Division; of Polk from Mc-
Allister to Post, and of the streets adjacent to the Potrero Housing
Project.

(11)

If that's not enough to prove this administration is making steady
and needed improvements, I cite the fact that land purchases have been
made for the widening of Lombard Street, amounting to $650,000.
Before the end of this year the improvement of this street will have
begun at a cost of $860,000.

And to carry the story further, here is what we contemplate will be
completed in the very near future; protection for the Great Highway
Beach, protection on Bernal Avenue slope; traffic signal system and
channeling Nineteenth Avenue and Park Presidio Boulevard, and
also for Bay Shore Boulevard and Potrero Avenue, sewer extension in
Visitacion Valley, widening for a divided highway on Third Street
between Mariposa and Mariposa to Twenty-third with an estimated
contract price of $126,074, and on Army from Harrison Street to
South Van Ness at an estimated contract price of $58,235; realignment
of Bryant Street at Nineteenth.

The building industry of San Francisco apparently has faith in its
government and faith in the future of this city.

The building industry apparently is satisfied that its government
has vision and is awake to the needs of the future.

Why do I make this assertion? Well, let's look at the record again.

The private building industry in this city has increased approxi-
mately 50 percent over a like period of 1939! Think of it! Approxi-
mately 50 percent. For the first eleven months of 1940, applications
were filed and permits taken out covering the following: Four class
"A" buildings, filing costs, $1,150,000; five class "B" buildings, filing
costs, $352,200; 84 class "C" buildings, filing costs, $4,252,791; 3,917
homes, filing costs, $15,643,687; 4,167 alterations, filing costs, $3,115,587;
total of privately owned building permits, $24,514,265; this being an
increase of $7,868,835, over a like period in 1939, and an increase of
$23,458 in building permit fees collected. San Francisco certainly is
booming ahead.

I could outline to you here and now a list as long as your arm of
the contemplated city projects for the distant future. They are all on
file in the various departments. They are ready to be launched when
funds are available.

But no matter how much study we have given to these projects,
nor how united the citizenry of San Francisco may become when a
Master Plan is devised for the improvement of this city, the fact
remains that we must be ready and able to spend money. We cannot
build without spending.

We must seriously consider two things: First, shall we maintain
our present remarkable low tax rate and make improvements as we can
afford them? Or, secondly, shall we abandon our proud boast of being
the city with the lowest tax rate of all cities of comparable size in
the United States, and put into the budget sufficient funds to begin a
long range program of expansion?

That is what we must all determine.

Sometimes I think we have become self-satisfied with the "proud
boast" of a low tax rate. Yet, we have made steady and vital improve-
ments such as I have already enumerated and still kept our tax bill
within reason.

Do the "Doubting Thomases" realize that?

Let me quote some figures. Comparative tax rate figures of cities
with a population of five hundred thousand and over, based upon
100 percent of assessment. These figures have been compiled by the
Detroit Bureau of Governmental Research, a nationally recognized
authority.

I quote: Boston $40.60; Chicago, $33.71; Detroit, $33.23; Baltimore,
$30.34; Pittsburgh, $29.42; Philadelphia, Pa., $28.75; Los Angeles,

(12)

$28.45; New York City, $27.36; Cleveland, $25.56; St. Louis, $23.29,
and San Francisco, $19.69.

In my December 16th speech at the Palace Hotel, when the citizens
of San Francisco honored me at a luncheon, I promised that I in-
tended to form a committee that would translate plans and surveys
into action. A Master Planning Committee! A committee which would
give unselfishly of its time and knowledge to the formulation of a
plan for the planned expansion of this metropolis. A committee com-
posed of citizens in whom we all would have faith. A committee
which could sit down with your Honorable Board and the Administra-
tion and present a sound plan for city development.

Gentlemen, I gave myself a tough job. I find it hard to get such a
committee. I have sat down with those who advocated such a com-
mittee in an endeavor to chose the personnel having the qualifications
enumerated above. I haven't found it yet. Nor have my advisors —
those most interested in such a plan — found it.

But we have moved one step forward toward the goal. The State
Supreme Court has ruled that Mr. Charles H. Purcell, state engineer,
may be employed by the city to map out and initiate a master plan
for future transportation and traffic control.

With Mr. Purcell in command, and a Master Plan Committee made
up of leading citizens to consult with him, a solution of these problems
seems certain. Mr. Purcell has the confidence of the people. He is one
of this nation's outstanding engineers.

Prior surveys have been prepared by persons who did not have the
confidence of the majority of voters and have also been prepared
hastily and without due regard to a fair attempt to compose the dif-
ferences that may exist between various individuals or various interests
throughout the city. The people have not had confidence in the recom-
mendations of prior surveys.

But Mr. Purcell's employment is not for the purpose of making a
survey. The people of this city are tired of surveys. Personally, I hate
the word. Mr. Purcell will be employed to make recommendations, to
sell his ideas and to do a job. And he'll do it, never fear.

To conclude, this message has dealt, even if ever so briefly, with
the probelms before us, the problems of the future; achievements of
the past, and intentions for the future.

I could go on and on reporting on city government. I could point
with pride to the achievements of the past, and remind you that they
have all been accomplished "painlessly" insofar as the taxpayer is con-
cerned. Accomplished within the budget. By a city enjoying the dis-
tinction of having the lowest tax delinquency of any city in the nation.
Surely a record established by none but a contented citizenry. By a
city selling its bonds at the lowest interest rate of any in the nation.
Surely a record established because the money marts of the nation
have faith in the past and future of our metropolis.

But you know, as well as I do, of its glories and its achievements.

You have looked at the record!

I need not dwell upon it further.

It is the record of a city envied by many; loved by all — the Queen
City of the Pacific!

Very truly yours,

Mayor.
( 13 )

Supplemental Communication from his Honor,
the Mayor

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, SAN FRANCISCO

March 17, 1941.
To the Honorable
The Board of Supervisors
City Hall

Gentlemen:

On page 13 of my letter of transmittal of the Annual Message to
your Honorable Board, which message is already in your hands, I
refer to tbe State Supreme Court's decision granting the City of San
Francisco the right to enter into a contract with an engineer and con-
sultant, with a view to solving the transportation and traffic problem
of this city.

My letter of transmittal dwells upon the appointment of Mr. Charles
H. Purcell, State Engineer, as a consultant. It was my intention to
ask your Honorable Board to pass the necessary ordinance making this
employment possible.

Last Saturday, March 15th, Mr. Purcell visited me in my office and
stated he would accept the position if your Board took the above action.
This morning I received the following telegram from Mr. Purcell:
"For reasons of a personal nature I find it impossible to
enter into a contract with the City of San Francisco and will
remain in my present position with the State as long as I can.
I appreciate the confidence which you have shown in me and
your untiring efforts to secure my services with your City."
In the light of this development it seems to me the City and County
of San Francisco should now seek to find a man of equal capabilities
as Mr. Purcell to undertake this pressing work.
That search I propose to undertake immediately.
Yours sincerely,

ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor.

(14)

Mayor's Annual Message

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, SAN FRANCISCO

January 6, 1941.
The Honorable
The Board of Supervisors
San Francisco, California.

Gentlemen:

As directed by the Charter, I am sending you the following state-
ment of the affairs of the City and County of San Francisco.

Controller

In accordance with the provisions of Section 65 of the Charter, the
Annual Report of the Controller for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1940, was submitted and filed with the Mayor and with the Board of
Supervisors.

The accounts of the Controller, in conformance with Section 68 of
the Charter, were audited by Lybrand, Ross Bros, and Montgomery
by direction of the Board of Supervisors.

In accordance with provisions of Section 66 of the Charter, audits
of departments were made by the Controller's Audit staff, with the
exception of the following audits which were made pursuant to the
provisions of Ordinance No. 9.0621 by certified public accountants:
(Water Department, Hetch Hetchy, Board of Education, Municipal
Railway, Retirement System).

The fiscal provisions of the Charter are, in themselves, a safeguard
against fiscal disorder. The reports of the certified public accountants
indicate clearly that the Controller of the City and County of San
Francisco is enforcing the Charter mandates with respect to the fiscal
affairs of the City and County.

Coordinating Council

For its second year as a municipal entity, the Coordinating Council
reports on its activities for the welfare of youth in San Francisco.

The Council published a handbook this year giving complete details
of its organization and operation to facilitate the many inquiries about
its work. Copies will be sent on application.

District boundaries were changed to conform to census areas, so
that statistics on juvenile delinquency, truancy, and other pertinent
factors might be checked against the new census figures and meaning-
ful comparisons gained. Many of the member departments and agencies
have agreed to keep statistics on the same basis, to make a continuous
record available.

The Council has been interested in nursery schools as a source of
training for young children as well as their parents. City support
has been secured for six, which would otherwise have been closed.
Recommendation has been made to the Housing Authority that facili-
ties for nursery schools be included in low-cost housing projects and
plans now prepared indicate two units will contain them.

A club for boys was needed in a district with rapidly increasing
juvenile delinquency. Through studies, reports, and recommendations,
the Council was instrumental in having a branch of the S. F. Boys'
Club opened to counteract this trend and give these boys a place of
their own for companionship and training.

(15 )

The Secretary of the Council has cooperated with the Community
Chest by serving on its Budget Study Committee for Child Welfare
Agencies; also on the Tenant Selection Advisory Committee of the
Housing Authority for tenants for Holly Court and Sunnydale housing
projects. Other community services include membership on the Board
of Directors of the Children's Agency and the Motion Picture Research
Council.

We have been deeply interested in the passage of a Bicycle Registra-
tion Ordinance, which was presented recently to the Board of Super-
visors by the Police Department. This regulation would decrease the
number of bicycles stolen and increase the number recovered.

A day camp for San Francisco children has been a project for
several years. Detailed plans, suggested sites, and cost of operation
have all been worked out. It is hoped to have one before the summer
of 1941, secured from private philanthropic funds.

We have cooperated in a program of interpretation of the Alien
Registration Act, particularly in those districts with a large foreign-
born population, giving those subject to its provisions an opportunity
to get authoritative information and answers to problems they might
have as a result of its enforcement.

A study has been made of the programs of the Recreation Depart-
ment Directors-at-Large, the Police Big Brothers, and the Juvenile
Court Probation Officers, to unify their activities and secure complete
coverage of the field in which they work.

The nine district councils have had excellent leadership this year.
Each chairman accepted his responsibility and gave thoughtful con-
sideration to a program which resulted in definite coordination between
the member agencies and public departments. The district council
members have a better knowledge of the needs and problems in the
communities in which they are functioning.

Cooperation, it has been said, is not an activity but a state of mind,
and it is the order of the day now in the national emergency. The
Council anticipated this trend by providing a definite place and time
for department heads and representatives of social agencies concerned
with child welfare to meet and discuss problems and working relation-
ships. Members have been alert to changes in community conditions
and have tried to cope with them as they affect the lives of our youth.
Coordination is essential in any undertaking; the Council has proved
its value in child welfare in San Francisco.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The 1939-1940 Annual Report of the Bridge District evidences the
same satisfactory condition reported in my message of last year. The
operating results of the Golden Gate Bridge in the third fiscal year,
ended June 30, 1940, reflect the very favorable influence of reduced
competition and improved approach roads. The number of toll-paying
vehicles increased 6% over the previous year. Operating revenue in-
creased in 1939-1940 by 11.6%. More than half the increase can be
attributed to augmented revenue from truck crossings, which in-
creased 61.5%.

Another most significant characteristic of the 1939-1940 traffic was
an increase of 35% in bus passengers and an 11% increase in bus cross-
ings. This follows gains of 33% and 21% in these classifications in the
previous year. Compared with the first fiscal year (1937-38), bus pas-
sengers have increased 79.9% and bus crossings 34.5%. These sub-
stantial increases have occurred despite the fact only partial bus com-
mutation service has been inaugurated, and in the face of continued
ferry passenger service competition.

Beginning October 1st, rail service to Mill Valley was discontinued,
and transportation of passengers by bus between Mill Valley and San

(16 )

Francisco over the Bridge was inaugurated. By January 1, 1941, all
ferry and rail commutation service to Marin County will probably be
discontinued, and bus service substituted.

The constantly increasing volume of non-revenue government vehicles
continues as a serious operating problem from the standpoint of effi-
ciency and economy. In the latter part of the year, the average was
nearing 1,000 vehicles daily. This obviously is a serious burden, both
from a revenue-loss and a handling standpoint, and is one which was
never anticipated prior to the opening of the Bridge.

If the suit now pending in the United States District Court does not
afford the District material relief from the abuse now being made of
the toll-free privilege claimed by the Army and Navy, it is apparent
that such relief must be sought through appropriate legislative action.

It is not to be expected that the District is to be saddled hopelessly
and forever with the burden of passing toll free, millions of persons,
whether on business or pleasure, or that the revenue-producing traffic
will be content to go on indefinitely paying a higher rate of toll to
provide toll-free passage to these millions of favored users.

Maintenance:

Total expenditures in the fiscal year for current repairs and mainte-
nance amounted to $175,047.30. The largest item in the maintenance
budget for the past fiscal year was for painting, which cost the Dis-
trict the sum of $119,335.65. Repainting and cleaning the steel of rust
and millscale was confined solely to those surfaces where the original
paint coat protection had been weathered away or destroyed by mill-
scale lifting. No surfaces already painted by the District's force have
yet required a second treatment.

In the Annual Report, fiscal year 1938-39, it was indicated that the
Bridge District was very much concerned in the commencement and
prosecution to completion of certain much needed improvements in
that portion of the State highway system directly tributary to the
Bridge. These projects were listed as follows: 1. Widening of Lombard
Street (between Richardson Avenue and Van Ness Avenue) and tunnel
through Russian Hill; 2. Widening of the Redwood Highway between
Ignacio and Santa Rosa to four lanes; 3. Connection between Sausalito
lateral and the four-lane highway in Sausalito; 4. Improvement of
Sears Point Road and Lake Chabot connection with American Canyon
Highway (U.S. 40), to provide a direct connection with the Sacramento
Valley; 5. Improvement and widening of highway through City of
San Rafael.

During the fiscal year 1939-40 very satisfactory progress has been
made. The acquisition of the property necessary for the widening of
Lombard Street between Richardson Avenue and Van Ness Avenue has
progressed to a point wherein a large part of the properties necessary
to the widening has been purchased and some of the improvements on
these particular properties have been set back thirty feet from the
present southerly line of Lombard Street. The highway between San
Rafael and Ignacio has been widened so as to provide four lanes in
the greater part of this distance. There are some stretches, however,
where only three lanes have been provided. The highway between
San Rafael and Richardson Bay viaduct is now being improved to
provide four lanes of traffic over this entire distance. The widening of
the highway immediately adjoining Petaluma is now being done so
as to provide four lanes both northerly and southerly therefrom. It
will be seen, therefore, that very satisfactory progress has been made
by the State Highway Department in satisfying the demands for im-
proved highway conditions between Waldo Point and the point just
northerly from Petaluma.

The Sears Point road between Tolay Creek (Sears Point) and the
Napa-Vallejo highway has been resurfaced during its entire length
and is, at the present time, in a very good condition. The Lake Chabot

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road is now being improved by tbe excavation of high, rocky points,
and the distribution of the material from this excavation. The road
through its entire length has been resurfaced and is in very good
condition to accommodate the increased volume of traffic coming
from the Sacramento Valley.

A contract has been let by the State Highway Department and con-
struction has begun on the relocation and improvement of the highway
through the City of San Rafael. This improvement has been necessary
due to the extreme congestion resulting at times of peak traffic flow.

The Funston Avenue approach to the Bridge through the Presidio
of San Francisco was completed during the fiscal year 1939-1940, and
is now open to traffic. This improvement is serving the purpose for
which it was intended. There is a large amount of traffic over this
approach and that portion of our ramp between the cloverleaf connec-
tion and the Marina.

Measured in terms of actual travel across the bridge, a volume of
traffic equivalent to 55 percent of actual bridge volume is free traffic,
using either the Marina approach (47%%) or crossing the bridge
(7%%) as government traffic.

There is, however, one project which is highly desirable on which
little progress has been made, the importance of which is emphasized
by the traffic congestion which has occurred on the "Waldo approach
to the Bridge. This project is the extension of our Sausalito lateral
through the City limits of Sausalito in order to provide a low-grade
approach to the Bridge, avoiding the long 6% grade of the Waldo
approach. It is earnestly hoped that this improvement may be made
at the earliest possible moment. The matter is now in the hands of
the State Highway Department for consideration.

Financial:

At the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 1940 the status of District
revenues and expenditures was on slightly better than a break-even
basis. A serious shortage of revenue resulted from the first year's
operations, attributable to extreme competitive conditions, inadequate
approaches and other factors. The total revenue was only 77.8% of a
normal year's obligations. Total revenue for the second year (1938-39)
was 93.1% of requirements and left an operating deficit of $135,002.72
for the year. In the third year the gradual elimination of obstacles
permitted a further gain in operating revenue to $2,124,158.50. After
giving effect to other income and to special allocations for insurance
reserve and sinking fund, there remained a balance of $17,755.02 as a
net addition to General Fund Surplus. In order for the District to
achieve this position, it has been necessary for the Bridge to develop
traffic to a volume two and one-half times greater than it had been
prior to the opening of the Bridge.

During the year additional provision was made for coverage of un-
insured risks assumed by the District. There were in force at the end
of the year multi-risk damage policies totaling $10,756,061 and use
and occupancy coverage of $1,634,190, in addition to miscellaneous
coverages on various risks. Under the multi-risk damage policies there
is a deductible of $500,000 on earthquake losses and $187,500 on losses
due to other causes. The District is attempting to provide a reserve
against these risks.

The District set aside in the fiscal year 1939-1940 the initial sum of
$50,000 toward the provision of a sinking fund to retire the $200,000
par value of bonds coming due July 1, 1942, and has announced an in-
tention of setting aside a minimum of $75,000 in the fiscal year
1940-1941.

While the present volume of traffic is most gratifying, a steady
year-to-year gain in volume must be experienced in order to assure
sufficient revenue to meet increasing annual requirements for interest

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and amortization of bonds. The extent to which the gain in volume
exceeds actual requirements will necessarily determine when and
how much the District can reduce tolls. Recent experience on the San
Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and elsewhere indicates that toll reduc-
tions will result in decreased total revenue, and that Bridge has had
a large reservoir of ferry automobile traffic from which to draw.
Under the circumstances, therefore, if tax levies to meet deficits are
to be avoided, experiments with toll reductions can only be made
when total revenue has reached a point sufficiently in excess of re-
quirements to warrant a reduction by a lowering of tolls. It is the
policy of the Bridge District to maintain a schedule of tolls at the
lowest rates which will yield the required revenue to meet obligations
without resorting to taxation.

For the first five months of the 1940-1941 fiscal year, there has been
a 4%% increase in revenue, and a slight decrease in passenger auto-
mobile revenue.

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge

Further substantial toll reductions on the San Francisco-Oakland
Bay Bridge continued to reduce transportation costs into San Fran-
cisco via this route during the past year. Owners of passenger automo-
biles enjoyed three successive reductions. On January 1 rates were
lowered from 40 cents to 35 cents and on May 25, with the re-opening
of the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island, they
were reduced to 30 cents. Finally, on July 1 a 25 cent toll was put into
effect. Effective with the first of these reductions, the further charge
for occupants in excess of five in an automobile was eliminated.

On January 1, 1940, the tolls on commercial vehicles were also re-
duced about 15%, and in July another 23% was deducted from these
charges.

On November 12, 1940, the Bridge had been opened a full four years.
During this time it has steadily grown in importance in its relation
to the business and pleasure life of San Francisco. By the end of 1940
approximately 45,000,000 vehicles will have crossed the Bridge and
these with the interurban trains will have carried about 135,000,000
persons across the Bay — slightly more than the entire population of
the United States.

In 1940 the traffic on the Bridge reached an all-time high and the
average monthly traffic is now running well in excess of l1^ million
vehicles. The Bridge has now become the world's heaviest traveled
toll structure, having outdistanced even the Delaware River Bridge
and the Holland Tube.

In spite of this tremendous increase in traffic, the Bridge has con-
tinued to be one of the safest highways in the United States. During
1940 there were but two fatal accidents on the structure and by
comparison with the rest of the State of California or the nation as a
whole, this was about 5V, times better. Similarly the number of per-
sonal injuries on the Bay Bridge was far lower in terms of car miles
traveled than was elsewhere realized.

Federal Projects

The United States Post Office Rincon Annex, located at Mission and
Spear Streets, was completed last month at a cost, exclusive of eleva-
tors, of $1,801,356.

The United States Coast Guard Air Station, Mills Field: The Hangar
and Barracks Buildings are now completed and occupied. Work is
proceeding on a new ramp from the Hangar to the waters of the Bay.
Cost, $519,644.

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Alcatraz Penitentiary: A new Dock was completed in July at a
cost of approximately $116,000. The Industrial Building, completed
November 15, cost $186,000. The Housing Group, costing $285,000, will
be completed by the first of the year. Modernization of the Hospital
and Cell Block "D," at a cost of $130,000, is under construction and
will be completed the latter part of the coming March.

A contract for new elevators in the Post Office and Court House,
Seventh and Mission Streets, at a cost of $87,000, is under contract
and expected to be completed the first of May.

Renovation of the Old Mint at the corner of Fifth, and Mission was
completed and the building was occupied by Government Services
which have moved from the Old Appraisers Stores.

San Francisco Appraisers Stores and Immigration Station: The Old
Appraisers Stores building has been razed and excavation and pile
driving proceeding on a new 16-story building under contract with
Clinton Construction Company at a cost of $3,771,000, exclusive of
elevators, etc. This work will be completed about March 1, 1942.

United States Quarantine Station: An appropriation of $300,000 was
made some time ago for a new Quarantine Station in San Francisco.
It was hoped that a suitable site would be made available within the
limits of the Presidio, but the matter is still pending.

Board of Education

As Mayor of San Francisco, it was my pleasure to attend ceremonies
formally dedicating three new Junior College buildings at Balboa Park
on Sunday afternoon, November 10, marking the settlement of the
college in its permanent home on a 53-acre site.

Prior to the opening of the present school term, 3,000 students of the
college were housed in 21 separate locations throughout the city.
Occupancy of the first of a group of permanent buildings to be con-
structed has quickened public interest in this new college which, among
other objectives, serves local students in their freshman and sopho-
more years.

The range of objectives of this new institution takes in fields of
instruction so far removed from the strictly academic, that I visited
the college a few days after the dedication to learn from its president,
Dr. A. J. Cloud, and his faculty, of the terminal courses in vocational
education which are being offered. Terminal education at the college
has for its purpose the training of young men and women to qualify
for a job after graduation in a field in which they are adept. The
importance of this phase of public education cannot be overstated.

Specifically, I learned that in the course in hotel and restaurant
management at the college — a course to which hotel owners in far
away cities send their sons and daughters — every graduate is em-
ployed after two years of training. The courses in terminal education
are based upon the needs and requirements of local industry and are
set up through committees from the industry or business and taught
by persons actually engaged in the industry to be served.

The present investment in the college exclusive of land is approxi-
mately $1,870,000, representing the cost of three structures: a science
building facing on Phelan Avenue, three stories in height, extending
430 feet north to south; separate reinforced concrete gymnasiums for
men and women are built on the eastern property line of the site facing
Circular Avenue.

The Board of Education is to be commended for addressing itself
to the immediate task of providing funds for construction of the build-
ings urgently needed to round out the junior college campus, the college
library building, the administration building, the musical and speech
arts center, and needed classroom buildings.

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It is my hope that the Board of Education will arrange the library
building at the college to serve in double capacity: for the students of
the college and for the citizens of the contiguous area who are at
present without public library facilities. Such an arrangement would
provide a more ideal location for the library, and by building with the
double objective in mind, the interests of economy could also be served.
I commend this arrangement to the Board of Library Trustees and the
Board of Education.

Armistice Day, 1940, saw the new athletic field, auditorium and
gymnasium of George Washington High School at 30th Avenue and
Anza Streets formally dedicated by our citizens. I was privileged to
speak to our people on this occasion and to remind them that in the
intervening years between 1930 and 1940, San Francisco has expended
$14,233,000 for new school buildings. Of this amount, $8,445,000 was
derived from the proceeds of short term bond issues of 1934 and 1938.
The Federal Government contributed $3,350,000 to both bond issues.
Of the total sum expended, $5,788,000 came from local taxes. This
money was used to construct and equip 25 new school buildings. The
above amount does not include the earthquake proofing reconstruction
of 16 school buildings which represent the expenditure of more than
one million dollars from local taxation, in addition to the total of
$14,233,000.

In the past year there has also been completed a $205,000 new audi-
torium for the Marina Junior High School at Bay and Fillmore Streets,
completing that new modern school plant; the James Denman Junior
High School in the outer Mission District costing $1,100,000; the new
Abraham Lincoln Senior High School at 22nd Avenue and Riviera
Streets costing $750,000; and the new Francis Scott Key elementary
school auditorium representing a cost of $86,000.

Thus far, I have dwelt only upon the physical properties of the
school system. We are likely to forget that of all functions of govern-
ment, education touches our people more closely than those of all other
departments of government combined. The parent, the child, and the
teacher, form a triumvirate in our American scheme of things which
reaches from one generation into the next. To the parents who entrust
their children to the neighborhood public school every day, the teacher
is an exalted person — her work is almost sacred.

In the past year the Superintendent of Public Schools, Mr. Joseph
P. Nourse, has been addressing himself to the problems of national
defense, specifically as they relate to education, the training of men for
work in defense industries. This is part of the national policy of edu-
cation through what are termed "refresher courses" to make a journey-
man in one industry competent in an allied field in which there is
demand for his services. To carry on this work the Board of Education
had appropriated $25,000 as a revolving fund to be eventually reim-
bursed by the Federal Government.

All necessary machinery has been set up by the Board of Education
to get this work underway. Local committees in each craft affected
composed of employers and employees have been created to agree upon
the definite needs in specific fields — a federal condition before any
actual training may begin. In addition, Superintendent Nourse under
date of October 3, 1940, addressed letters to all employers and em-
ployees groups pointing to the available facilities for undertaking
this training in the San Francisco Public Schools without cost of any
kind to the employee or the employer benefited. To facilitate this, the
School Department has appointed a supervisor of defense training.

The most recent of numerous conferences by interested groups on
this subject was held on Friday, December 13, at which time outlines
were given for certain refresher courses to begin in several crafts.
Without in any way attempting to direct the efforts of the group, and as
your Mayor. I hope the committees involved will give immediate

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recognition to the need for training as it is discovered in any given
field, and take advantage of the facilities which the school department
has had available for more than six months.

National defense training should not be confused with the excel-
lent program of vocational education which has been in progress in
San Francisco for many years; the pre-apprentice and the apprentice
training programs at Samuel Gompers Trades School, or the classes
in another field, that of trade extension — journeyman who are desirous
of improving their skills by attending a trade school at night.

I addressed the teachers in Annual Institute at the Civic Auditorium
on Wednesday, November 20th, and expressed to them my apprecia-
tion for the services they are rendering in the task of promoting
toleration and teaching the advantages of the American system of
government. In connection with the teaching profession, it should be
noted that the Board of Education was able in its last budget to give
recognition to veteran teachers by advancing them to the higher levels
of the salary schedule in elementary, junior, and senior high schools.
It should be remembered that teachers start in service at a low salary
and are compensated for this over the years by the salaries in the
upper brackets of the schedule.

It was my pleasure to appoint as Commissioner of Education for the
five-year term beginning January 8, 1941, Honorable Frank Sykes, a
former member of the police commission, the State Board of Prison
Directors and a director of the San Francisco Humane Society. This
selection was affirmed by the voters at the general election on Novem-
ber 5, 1940.

Police Department

The ensuing report is submitted as a brief account of the activities
of this department for the year 1940. The activities of the department
and the results produced thereby are clear evidence of the energetic
and conscientious' performance of duty by the men of this department
with an even higher degree of efficiency than in previous years. The
several general activities engaged in are treated under separate
headings.

1. Major Crimes: Actual figures on crimes involving attacks on
persons and property show that in comparison with 1939 there is a
marked decrease, the percentage of decrease in the various particular
crimes being as follows: Murder, 16.66% decrease; Petty Theft, 2.12%;
Grand Theft, 2.46%; Robbery, 21.71%. Total losses in cases of attacks
against property, as compared with 1939, show a decrease of 7.01%,
while total recoveries show an increase of 42.44%.

Once again, our San Francisco Police Department records show no
bank robberies. There was one instance of an attempted bank holdup,
in which the would-be perpetrator was arrested in the act.

2. Commendations for Meritorious Conduct: Commendations for
bravery in this department are of two grades, and were awarded dur-
ing the year 1939 as follows: a. Commendations by the Chief for an
act performed intelligently in the line of police duty, or for an im-
portant arrest involving elements of initiative, intelligence or bravery,
were given to six members of this department, b. Commendations by
the Board of Police Commissioners for the performance of acts un-
questionably involving bravery and risk of life, and with knowledge
of risk assumed in the performance of police duty were given to four
members of this department. All of these commendations were based
upon instances wherein those officers commended succeeded in appre-
hending gunmen, under exceptional circumstances; or, with knowledge
of the risk assumed, faced gunfire or saved lives at the risk of their
own.

3. Traffic Accidents: A comparison with the year 1939 shows a de-

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crease of 18.52% in fatalities arising from traffic accidents, while a
comparison of the total number of non-fatal traffic accidents shows a
decrease of 6.05%.

As an indication of what these percentage figures mean in numbers,
a comparison of the fatality record this year to date with that of
the same period for 1939 clearly indicates our progress: From January
1, 1939 to December 18, 1939, we had 109 deaths resulting from traffic
accidents; from Jaunary 1, 1940, to December 18, 1940, we had 91 deaths
resulting from traffic accidents. This shows a net gain over the same
period of 1939, in that we have reduced the number of deaths by 18.

4. Junior Traffic Patrol: The activity of this unit has turned in a
perfect record for the year to date. No child of school age has been
killed during the past year at school crossings during school hours.

5. Police Academy: The activities of our Police Academy have been
most productive in the maintenance of the high standard of efficiency
of the department. All recruits coming into the department have been
subjected to a three months' course of intensive instruction and con-
ditioning, properly to equip them in the handling of police work. In
addition to this recruit training, in-service training of experienced
officers was conducted in a two weeks' course. As a result of the
functioning of our Police Academy, utilizing available experts in in-
dividual police lines, the entire membership of our department has had
the advantage of thorough training in general law enforcement work
and in the various specialized fields which are a part of modern police
work.

6. Golden Gate International Exposition: The activities on Treasure
Island attracted an average of 41,000 persons daily. Notwithstanding
this fact and the fact that crowds and the influx of large numbers of
visitors normally creates a serious police and crime problem, through
the efficient policing by our Treasure Island detail, this area was
virtually a crimeless portion of the City and County of San Francisco.
Only one robbery was committed on Treasure Island during the Fair
and the culprit was immediately arrested. Of the six reported bur-
glaries, four proved to be petty thefts and none involved property
values of any consequence. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are the
outstanding crimes where large groups of people assemble. Only four
cases of purse snatching and fifteen cases of pocket picking were re-
ported to our Police Department on Treasure Island. The activities
of this detail were the subject of frequent commendation by Fair offi-
cials and members of the general public with whom these officers co-
operated. Considering the fact that more than 10,000 automobiles
arrived daily during the Fair period, the entire lack of traffic accidents
on Treasure Island is outstanding.

Fire Department

During the first eleven months of the year 1940, the San Francisco
Fire Department responded to 7,344 alarms of fire, a decrease from a
corresponding period of the previous year of 1069.

Perhaps the most serious fire of the year occurred on August 24,
1940, in the California Building at the Golden Gate International
Exposition on Treasure Island, but despite the rapid spread of this
fire, owing to the temporary type of construction of this as well as of
all the surrounding buildings, it was confined to this one structure
and, unfortunate though it was, it again demonstrated the fact that our
fire department is sufficiently well equipped, properly trained and dis-
ciplined and provided with efficient leadership, so that it can be relied
upon to cope with any emergency.

Rapid development of various residential sections of the city is
receiving special attention of the department, and the installation of
new fire hydrants and fire alarm boxes is keeping step with the wide-

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spread construction activities, assuring to the residents of the new
districts the same adequate fire protection which is enjoyed by the
older sections of the city.

Plans and specifications have been prepared by the City Architect
and approved by the Board of Fire Commissioners, and construction
is about to begin on a modern firehouse in the Bernal Heights section
to house the crew and equipment of Engine Company No. 32. This
building will embody all the latest improvements in firehouse con-
struction and will afford thorough comfort and conveniences to the
men quartered therein, thus aiding in the maintenance of the high
morale of the department.

The motor fire apparatus of the department is being maintained at a
high level of efficiency, and new equipment is provided to replace old
and outworn vehicles. At the city's shops, there is now being assembled
a new tow car, which, upon completion, will unquestionably be the
most efficient and most powerful of its kind. Provided with two 5-tori
cranes, windlass, dual rear wheels, air brakes, etc., it will carry all
the necessary equipment to handle any wrecking or salvage job, and
will be able to cope with any emergency.

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission has completed seventy examinations
during the past year. Since the early fall, approximately one hundred
employees have taken leaves of absence from their municipal positions
for military and training duty with the armed forces of the nation.
These temporary leaves are requiring a large number of additional
civil service examinations, the necessity for which could not be fore-
seen, and on my recommendation your Honorable Board made avail-
able to the Commission supplemental funds with which to conduct
these examinations.

With the needs of the nation foremost in its mind, the Commission
during the year liberalized its rules governing leaves of absence to
employees, for the purpose of performing military duty. The Commis-
sion also suggested a charter amendment to establish authority for a
rule, which would protect eligibles not yet appointed from civil service
lists who are being called into the military establishment. This pro-
posed amendment was approved by the people at the November elec-
tion and will be effective upon ratification by the Legislature. The
policy of making every effort to further the defense and preparedness
programs of the Federal Government has my full endorsement and
approval.

Two other charter amendments extending civil service to the Park
and Library Departments were also approved at the November election.
At an earlier election, a charter amendment bringing the employments
at the San Francisco Airport under civil service was approved. All
these will be effective upon ratification by the Legislature. It is of
interest to note that, exclusive of school teachers, who are under the
merit system administered by the Board of Education, and elective
officials and members of boards and commissions, all but 476 employ-
ments in the municipal government are now under civil service.
Insofar as I am informed, no other city in the United States has so
completely accepted the merit principle as a basis for employment in
its service.

The routine duties of the Commission have been discharged during
the year most efficiently and in a manner that warrants the support
and the confidence of the community.

Employees' Retirement System

The Retirement System included 12,441 employees at June 30, 1940.
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During the fiscal year ending on that date, 190 members were retired
because of age or disability and 120 active members died. Many of
the positions thus vacated were not filled. During 1939-1940, 133 retired
persons died, and on June 30, 1940, there were 1,940 persons receiving
allowances under the Retirement System, this number including aged
and disabled members retired from the several departments and also
retired firemen and policemen, and their widows, where retirement
allowances were continued to them or death resulted while in per-
formance of duty.

The administration of the State Compensation Insurance Law, as it
affects all city employees, is centralized under the Retirement Board.
Reports of all injuries among approximately 13,000 employees are
made to the Retirement Office and claims are adjusted and benefits
paid in accordance with the State law and Charter, the City and
County acting as self-insurer in relation to all employees. During the
fiscal year 1939-1940. 865 compensation cases were handled, under which
either weekly benefits or medical expenses were paid. Approximately
1,538 additional cases were handled which were not of sufficient severity
to qualify for compensation benefits of any kind. The investments of
the Retirement Fund at June 30, 1940, totaled $26,268,429 as against
$23,860,986 as of June 30, 1939.

Assessor

The office of the Assessor, which is charged with the responsibility
of valuing all taxable property in the City and County of San Fran-
cisco, and of compiling the annual Assessment Roll, has functioned to
the full satisfaction of the taxpayers. The task of maintaining equitable
assessments has been efficiently performed, and the Valuation Divisions
of the Assessor's Office have been making intensive studies of both
improved subdivisions and depreciated districts, so that all assessed
values will continue to be fair and equitable.

Summarized Comparison of Assessment Rolls

Property assessed by the Assessor:

Tangible Property: 1940-41 1939-40

Real Estate and Improvements $660,759,409 $665,685,294

Personal Property —

Secured and unsecured 77,360,942 74,871,973

$738,120,351 $740,557,267
Less, veterans' exemptions 6,971,519 6,777,349

$731,148,832 $733,779,918
Intangible Property:

Solvent credits (10c per $100) $122,131,993 $120,635,532

Property assessed by State Board of
Equalization:

Tangible Property:

Real Estate and Improvements $ 56,524,500 $ 56,830,960

Personal Property 32,913,470 30,765,680

$ 89,437,970 $ 87,596,640
Intangible Property:

Solvent credits (10c per $100) $ 34,472,660 $ 42,077,030

Total Property subject to

City and County taxes $977,191,455 $984,089,120

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Office of the Treasurer

The office of the Treasurer is conducted in strict conformity with the
laws of the United States, the Constitution and laws of the State of
California, the Charter, and Ordinances and Resolutions of the Board
of Supervisors.

It will be necessary at the next regular session of the State Legis-
lature to amend again the Public Deposit Act of the State of California
to conform to the Federal Reserve Act of 1935 as amended, relating to
the deposit of public funds in banks.

Under Section 403d of the Civil Code, the treasury is slowly but
surely becoming a dumping ground for private funds of distributive
shares of unknown claimants of corporations dissolved by order of
court. Private funds should not be received by county treasurers unless
by law and would finally escheat to the county or to the State of Cali-
fornia. Under the terms of the present law there are four such ac-
counts on the Treasurer's books that will in all probability remain
frozen for years to come. The Treasurer will endeavor to have the
law amended at the next session of the Legislature to prohibit such
deposits.

Cash on hand at the close of business June 30, 1939, $23,998,014.66.
Cash received fiscal year $79,034,355.19. Cash disbursed fiscal year,
$83,651,515.20. Total cash, $162,685,870.39. Cash on hand at the close of
business June 30, 1940, $19,380,854.65. Journal transfers and bookkeep-
ing items, $100,598,523.59.

The audit by the Controller at the end of the fiscal year 1939-1940
showed the cash and cash accounts exactly correct. An independent
audit was made of the securities of the Retirement System and found
that they were intact with all interest coupons attached thereto.

There were 11,147 recipients of old age relief during the month of
September, 1940. The average payments were $38.21, prorated as fol-
lows: Federal Government $19.10, State of California $9.58, City and
County of San Francisco $9.53, which is practically in the ratio of
two, one and one. Since September there has been an increase in the
number of recipients of about 300. The exact record at the time of
this report is not complete. There are 546 blind recipients with an
average monthly payment of $48.43, prorated as follows: Federal
Government $19.70, State of California $14.42, City and County of San
Francisco $14.41. There are 1,460 children as of the month of Septem-
ber, 1940, who receive financial aid, as well as 2,600 from the Juvenile
Court.

Office costs are kept to a minimum. It costs slightly less than
% of 1% to handle the business of the office, which includes salaries,
stationery, office equipment, telegraph and telephone bills, and other
incidentals.

Sheriff

The Sheriff of the City and County of San Francisco outlines his
activities for 1940 as follows:

Receipts: County commissions, fees and mileage, $31,289.50; cash
receipts under writs of attachment, executions, fee deposits by plain-
tiffs, and cash deposits by defendants in lieu of undertakings on release
of attachments, etc., $198,697.47; sales of personal property after
deduction of county commission and fees, $15,272.95; sales of real
property, $29,033.43; total, $274,293.35.

Process and Papers Filed and Issued: A classified list of all process
and papers filed and issued for this same period is as follows: Bonds
(personal and surety), 44; claims of exemption — notice of preferred
claims — releases — third party claims, 1,645; claims and delivery and
writs of replevin, 113; miscellaneous, 213; notices, 356; orders of

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arrest, 111; orders of examination, 44; orders to show cause, 284; sub-
poena, 224; summons (civil actions), 2,198; writs of attachment (per-
sonal property), 7,137; writs of attachment (real property), 198; writs
of execution (personal property), 7,442; writs of execution (real
property), 143; writs of possession, 247; certificates (issued), 59;
deeds (issued), IS; Total, 20,476.

Under and pursuant to such Writs of Attachment and Writs of
Execution, most of the personal property levied upon consists in the
form of garnishments. However, under that type of Writs, including
Claim and Delivery and Writs of Replevin, the following personal
property sales were consummated:

Number of Sales, 115; Amount, $23,107.14. The process under and
pursuant to which these so-called evictions are made is termed "Writ
of Possession" and will hereinafter be referred to by that name and
will be enumerated under the classified list of process captioned : Writs
of Possession received or filed, 244; Possession to Plaintiff, 164; Unexe-
cuted, 44; Number of forcible evictions, 36.

County Jail — Number 1, 2, 3, and 4: The monthly average population
of inmates confined in all San Francisco County Jails for fiscal year
July 1, 1939 to June 30, 1940, both dates inclusive, is 809.8; the total
for the 12 months, 9,718.20; average per month, 809.8.

There were 447 Federal male and 26 Federal female prisoners re-
ceived during this period with a daily average of 31.

The amount (total) received from the United States Government
for maintenance and subsistence of Federal prisoners for the fiscal
year July 1, 1939 to June 30, 1940 was $8,194.40.

During the calendar year of 1940 there were 658 male patients and
495 female patients transported from the Detention Hospital to various
state institutions.

From our County Jails, 222 male and 10 female prisoners were trans-
ported to state penitentiaries and other correctional institutions during
this same period. The transportation of these persons is under the
direct supervision of the Sheriff and follows the procedure authorized
on January 13, 1936 of Ordinance 7.062, Bill 890. All surplus money
received from this source is deposited with the Treasurer of the City
and County of San Francisco by the Sheriff. While under the law
the Sheriff could retain this surplus money he believes it should be
used for the benefit of the taxpayers of the City and County of San
Francisco. This new procedure adopted by the Sheriff has resulted in
a saving to the City and County of San Francisco of $5,373.63 during
the last fiscal year.

At the request of the Sheriff, Ordinance 7061, Bill 860 was drafted
and approved on January 13, 1936. This Ordinance established County
Jail stores to be maintained for the convenience of prisoners and under
this procedure, should there be any profit, it would be deposited with
the Treasurer for the benefit of the taxpayers of the City and County
of San Francisco. These stores are under the direct supervision of the
Sheriff and with minimum prices on all commodities sold in the stores
the profit for the last fiscal year amounted to $7,129.56.

Public Utilities Commission

Municipal Utilities under control and management of the Public
Utilities Commission greatly increased their usefulness to the citizens
of San Francisco during the past year, as indicated by the succeeding
departmental synopses embodying salient developments of the calen-
dar year 1940.

Municipal Railway.

The Municipal Railway at the close of the calendar year had com-
pleted its twenty-eighth year of operation. During the year the Golden

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Gate International Exposition was again opened and operated for a
total of 128 days. Service was furnished both to the ferry terminal and
to the bay bridge terminal and, notwithstanding increasingly trying
traffic conditions, the best possible service with available facilities was
rendered to visitors and residents of San Francisco. The rate of fare
remained unchanged at 5 cents with a free transfer privilege. Based
on an average fare of 8.33 cents throughout the United States this
means a saving of over $2,700,000 for the year to patrons of the Munici-
pal Railway.

Revenues decreased slightly under the previous year due mainly to
the fact that in the year 1939 the Golden Gate International Exposi-
tion was open for a period of 254 days, while in 1940 the exposition
remained open only 128 days. Operating revenue for the year 1940
amounted to $4,092,660, a decrease of $200,650 or approximately 4.7
percent under the preceding year. The fact that revenues continued
at a figure over four million dollars annually is very gratifying and
can be attributed to the travel to the Golden Gate International Expo-
sition and to the higher rate of fare charged by the competing Market
Street Railway Company, which rate has been in effect since January
1, 1939 and which was 7 cents with a free transfer privilege.

In conformity with its policy of placing profits back into the system
in the form of increased service, the Public Utilities Commission has
continued to render motor coach service into the districts in which
service was inaugurated in the previous year. These districts are the
Miraloma Park, Sunset, Bayshore, Telegraph Hill and Mission dis-
tricts. On July 2, 1940, motor coach operation was commenced on
Howard Street from Army and South "Van Ness Avenue to the bridge
terminal and was extended to the Embarcadero and Market Street on
July 7, 1940. This line was originally contemplated to be operated as a
trolley coach line but, due to a taxpayer's suit as to the legality of the
expenditure of funds for this purpose, payments for new trolley
coaches ordered and for the construction of operating facilities have
been held up and delivery of trolley coaches cannot be made nor can
construction of facilities be completed pending final settlement of this
suit. Operation with motor coaches has been maintained with present
available equipment supplemented by rented coaches.

Car and bus hours operated for the year increased 20.220 hours or
1.9 percent. All available street cars and motor coaches owned by the
Municipal Railway are now in operation during peak hours of travel.
The 5 new modern type street cars which were placed in operation in
the previous year have proved exceedingly popular with the public
indicating that more cars of this type should be operated.

After providing for the cost of the increased motor coach service
and increasing the provision for depreciation to $382,199, and providing
$122,780 for accidents for the year, a net income of $190,603 is found.
This is $231,725 under the previous year and is accounted for prin-
cipally by reason of the revenue decrease due to the shorter period of
exposition operation in the year 1940 than in the year 1939.

Track roadway and equipment have been maintained in excellent
condition, the sum of $416,142 having been expended for this purpose.
Included in this maintenance work 48 car bodies and 3 buses were
overhauled and painted. Street cars are all being painted in the new
blue and gold color combination, duplicating the color scheme of the
5 new modern street cars in operation.

Replacements amounted to $327,152, which includes track replace-
ment on Geary Street between Powell and Divisadero Streets. The cost
of this work was $254,914 and covered 15,140 feet of single track recon-
structed, 535 thermit weld joints installed, 152,345 square feet of con-
crete base renewed, and 159,295 square feet of asphalt paving replaced.
Two new buses were purchased, replacing 2 old buses at a cost of
$20,000. Expenditures for miscellaneous track and equipment replace-
ments amounted to $52,238.

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In addition to the above there are extension and betterment items
as follows, funds for which have been provided but which cannot be
expended pending final decision on the taxpayer's suit previously
mentioned :

Purchase of 9 trolley coaches $116,000

Overhead and facilities for Howard Street line 112,000

Completion of storage yard facilities 20,000

20 new motor coaches 180,000

New bus garage 100,000

Total $528,000

On December 1. the sum of $100,000 in bonds of the railway was
retired from earnings so that there now remains an indebtedness of
only $1,200,000 against the Municipal Railway properties which are
conservatively valued at $10,000,000.

Over 108,500,000 passengers were carried during the year, which is
a decrease of 4,000,000 passengers under the previous year but still one
of the highest records in the history of the Municipal Railway. Street
cars and motor coaches traveled 10,148,100 miles, an increase of 124,500
miles over last year. Cars and motor coaches operated over 1,058,000
hours, or more than 20,200 hours more than the previous year.

The general increase in business throughout San Francisco, due to
the expenditures being made in connection with the national defense
program, gives assurance that the year 1941 will be a prosperous one
for the Municipal Railway.

Hetch Hetchy Water Supply.

Successful and uninterrupted operation of the Hetch Hetchy Water
Supply properties continued during 1940. Water storage behind the
enlarged O'Shaughnessy Dam provided for continuous full scale opera-
tion of Moccasin power plant and uninterrupted flow of water to San
Francisco throughout the year. The quantity of water originating in
the Hetch Hetchy source and transmitted to San Francisco's local
system increased to an extent that the greater part of water now being
used in San Francisco comes from Hetch Hetchy. Maintenance work
necessary to keep the property in first class operating condition was
continued, and several contracts and other items of work for improve-
ments and additions to the properties were performed. Litigation per-
taining to Hetch Hetchy water rights was successfully defended during
the year, particularly the so-called "Dan Williams" case. In this con-
nection, culmination of dealings with the Turlock, Modesto and Water-
ford Irrigation Districts was brought about by an agreement with the
districts in which all parties pledged themselves to cooperate in the
use of the Tuolumne River waters. This agreement postpones the trial
of pending litigation for a period of 15 years. Flood control studies
on the Tuolumne River by the federal government focused attention
on the advisability of planning for the development of the Cherry
River source of water supply and for protection of the city's water
rights, and surveys and studies were carried on during the year for
this development. This work is now in progress and will be continued.

Hetch Hetchy Power.

The year 1940 marks another year of profitable operation of the
power-generating facilities of the Hetch Hetchy system. The total
amount of electricity generated was substantially the same as for the
preceding year. Litigation between the United States government and
the City, wherein the government claimed violation of the Raker Act
by the city in distributing power under the agency agreement with the
Pacific Gas and Electric Company was active throughout the year.
The government appealed the decision of the lower court, and on April
22, 1940, the United States Supreme Court ruled the existing agency
agreement in violation of Section 6 of the Raker Act. This decision left

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the city facing an injunction against disposal of Hetch Hetchy energy,
and with no other market available, the city would have lost the much-
needed annual revenue of about $2,400,000. Negotiations were carried
on immediately with the Secretary of the Interior in an effort to ar-
range power disposal plans acceptable to the government. A lease
arrangement contemplating formal compliance with the requirements
of the Raker Act was approved by Secretary Ickes on December 5,
1940. Negotiations with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company are now
in progress and will be continued in the preparation of the final lease.

Utilities Engineering and Construction

Municipal Railway, airport and other utilities engineering and
construction activities for which the Bureau of Engineering of the
Public Utilities Commission is responsible progressed satisfactorily
during the year. Plans and specifications were prepared and contracts
entered into for the construction of electric trolley buses and trolleys
for the Howard Street bus line. Work on this line progressed satis-
factorily, with a view to placing the line in service in the middle of
1940, but was stopped on May 29, 1940, by reason of a taxpayer's suit.

During the year contracts were entered into and successfully com-
pleted for the reconstruction of long sections of the old and much
used Geary Street tracks; and also during the year, other improve-
ments were made to rolling stock and trackage of the railway. A con-
siderable quantity of work was done during the year in the advance-
ment of the program for the improvement of landplane and seaplane
ports at San Francisco Airport, with funds available from the 1938
bond issue, augmented by contributions from the federal government
through the Works Progress Administration. Under this program,
the earth and rock fill over the areas to be occupied by runways on the
field extension was completed; extensive runway and lighting service
was done during the year on the existing field, the existing runways
were lengthened, widened and paved; improvements in connection
with the establishment of the Coast Guard Station were constructed;
and plans and specifications for buildings were prepared and a contract
was let for foundation work for the United Air Lines terminal.

Treasure Island Airport

Following the close of the Golden Gate International Exposition on
September 29, 1940 activities looking toward the earliest possible con-
version of Treasure Island into a downtown terminal airport were
started. A Works Progress Administration project proposal for work
in the total amount of $113,561 was filed on October 15, 1940, looking
toward the immediate rehabilitation of Treasure Island for use by
the city. While this application was under consideration by federal
agencies, the United States Navy Department indicated its desire to
use Treasure Island in its National Defense Program, and during
conferences had in Washington during the first week of December, an
agreement was reached with the Navy Department for its use of the
island.

This agreement is eminently beneficial to the city, in that it provides
that the Navy Department's use of Treasure Island will not interfere
with San Francisco's activities on the island in connection with the con-
struction of a municipal airport, and that the Navy will financially
sponsor a Works Projects Administration project for the construction
of necessary airport facilities on Treasure Island in the sum of $1,680,-
000. The application for this project and the lease under which the
city will grant the Navy Department use of the island have advanced
to such an extent that commencement of airport construction and
the navy's emergency possession of the island will be realized early
in 1941.

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Street and Public Building Lighting

A comprehensive survey looking toward improvements conforming
to modern illumination standards, resulting in a program of modern-
ization work now nearing completion, has considerably bettered the
public street and building lighting situation during the past year.
Funds for this purpose became available through an electric energy
rate cut, resulting in a street lighting appropriation surplus.

The program involved installation of 1,683 new lights, replacement of
5,170 units with new equipment, and installation of 505 new lights in
connection with special improvements and street reconstruction proj-
ects.

The cost trend per lamp year and percentage of tax moneys spent
for street lighting continues downward, partly because of rate re-
ductions and partly through elimination of fixed charges by acquiring
ownership of a portion of the street lighting system.

Meanwhile, substantial economies were effected by other city de-
partments on the basis of studies made by this bureau, involving
minor physical changes that made possible long-range savings.

Water Department

The Water Department continues to maintain its enviable position
as a sound municipal enterprise. The exceptional gains in water sales
registered during 1939 were in general held, with some small increases,
during 1940 so that revenues again reached an all-time high.

Water sales for the year amounted to $7,302,845 and net profit from
operations was $3,092,140, as compared to $3,302,776 for the preceding
year. The apparent decrease in net income of $210,636 is more than
offset by payment of $386,642 for water purchase and stand-by charge
to the Hetch Hetchy system during the second half of the year. This
charge represents a portion of the funds treated in previous years as
a contribution to the city's general fund and which now, for the first
time, appears as a charge to operations. The gain in net income after
adjustment for this change in procedure and on a basis comparable
to last year's report would be $176,006, made up of an increase of
$48,114 in water sales, a decrease of $5,182 in miscellaneous income
and a decrease of $133,074 in operating expense due mainly to de-
creased pumping costs, non-recurring maintenance and decreased bond
interest expense.

In connection with the water sales increase of $48,114, attention is
called to the fact that this represents an increase of only $19,167 in
revenue and an increase of $28,947 in deliveries to non-paying munic-
ipal accounts. This water service to non-paying municipal departments
is furnished in lieu of city taxes formerly paid by the private company.
This in the past year amounted to $521,000 as compared to $358,490,
the computed tax assessment against the Spring Valley Water Company
in 1930. This increase in free water service to municipal departments
is borne by paying consumers and represents an added contribution
to the general fund.

Water consumption for the year averaged 67.7 million gallons daily.
This is a net gain of 0.3 million gallons daily over the preceding year
and represents a decrease of 1.5 million gallons daily in the suburban
district and a gain of 1.8 million gallons daily in San Francisco. The
decrease in the suburban area was mostly sustained during the first
half of the year and undoubtedly reflected the replenishment of local
supplies by the abundant winter rainfall. Conversely the San Francisco
gain was registered in the first half of the year with consumption
during the second half being about equal to that of the previous year.

The number of active consumers in San Francisco has increased to
122,620, a gain of 3,519 for the year as compared to a gain of 2,913 for
the previous year.

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Approximately 14% miles of 6 inch, 8 inch, 12 inch and 16 inch
mains were added to the distributing system in the city and 4,316 new-
service connections were installed, which is 731 more than were in-
stalled during the previous year.

The increasing tempo of new consumer installations portends a
corresponding rate of increase in water usage, particularly in the resi-
dential districts. Existing facilities for supplying these higher elevation
districts are already taxed to their minimum capacities. Also, there
is a rapidly growing residential area that must now either take serv-
ice at too great a pressure from the Stanford Heights reservoir at
elevation 614 feet or at too low a pressure from the Sunset reservoir
at elevation 385 feet. A new reservoir at an intermediate elevation is
urgently needed. Tentative plans to meet these and other problems
have been evolved and incorporated into a long-range program designed
to meet the construction needs of the Water Department system as a
whole. These needs should be met in an orderly manner within the
financial means of the department and such a program should be a
part of the city's policy if our citizens are to enjoy the high standard
of service and economical operation that municipal ownership should
bring to them.

Last winter's rainfall on the local watersheds was approximately
13 percent above normal and fell with such intensity as to produce
more than double the average seasonal run-off. The local reservoirs
were all full at the end of the rainy season. The Hetch Hetchy system
delivered 7,680 million gallons or an average of 21 million gallons
daily, to maintain a high level in the local reservoirs throughout the
year. This was a little less than one-half of the previous year's delivery.
Local storage at the close of the year was in excess of 43,000 million
gallons, which is more than 600 days' supply even without further
replenishment.

The heavily concentrated rainfall of the past winter caused con-
siderably more than the usual turbidity in the peninsula reservoirs
which in turn brought an unusual number of customers' complaints.
This seasonal turbidity and various other causes of complaint must be
endured until such time as it may be remedied by a complete filtration
system.

A resume of the financial results of the city's operation of the Water
Department from March 3, 1930 to December 31, 1940, shows gross
income of $75,306,445 and operating expenses of $44,536,205. The net
income of $30,770,240 was used for:

Applied toward bond interest and redemption —

Hetch Hetchy $ 9,849,331

Bond redemption — Water Department 12,750,000

Additions and betterments 5,032,497

Contributions to Hetch Hetchy system... 2,995,680

Surplus and miscellaneous 142,732

In addition to this net income, the Water Department has furnished
water free of charge to various other city departments to the amount
of $3,994,756, and through a series of water rate reductions instituted
by the city has saved water consumers in excess of $5,600,000, as com-
pared to rates under the former private ownership.

San Francisco Airport

The year 1940 at San Francisco Airport has brought not only a great
surge in air traffic, but also one of the most important developments
that the field has known since its inauguration in 1927. Early in the
year the officials of United Air Lines Transport Corporation made
known their decision to move the company's western division head-
quarters to San Francisco Airport. The new base will control all ac-

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tivity west of Denver, and will initially bring some 500 employees and
an annual payroll of $1,300,000 to the Airport. The move is being made
under a 20-year lease by which an average annual building and ground
rental of $6,500 will be paid by the airline. Fees for operation and use
based upon the actual air traffic of United Air Lines at the airport will
be the major source of revenue. This air traffic is increasing nearly 50
per cent per year. Construction of the base is now under way and the
move of United's headquarters from Oakland to San Francisco Airport
is scheduled to be made in June 1941.

This acquisition of a major airline base is but the beginning of an
industrial expansion which is certain to take place at San Francisco
Airport. Of the 2,225 acres of property owned by the City and County
of San Francisco at the airport site, some 555 acres are ideally suited
to the development of aircraft industries.

Airline passenger traffic at San Francisco Airport during the year
1940 showed the tremendous increase of 48 per cent over the year 1939,
and set an all-time high for transport activity. New records were also
set in air mail cargo and in the number of airline planes arriving and
departing at the field. A summary of the year's airline activity is as
follows:

Total for Increase over
1940 1939

Passengers (in and out) 157,331 *48%

Air mail poundage (off and on) 1,451,973 *17%

Air express poundage (on only) 227,419 *62%

Transport planes (in and out) 21,631 *45%

(*The percentages are conservative and are based on 9 months
operation, since airline schedules were greatly curtailed during March,
April and May of the previous year while runway resurfacing was in
progress.)

Daily schedules operated by United Air Lines and Transcontinental
and Western Air at San Francisco Airport now number 34 arrivals
and 34 departures daily.

The major development project by which 300 acres are being added
to the landing area proper has progressed on schedule during the year.
The east-west runway has been lengthened to 4,100 feet, the north-
south runway to 5,300 feet, and a new northeast-southwest runway
4,500 feet in length has been opened. An electric dredge is now in
operation on the final stages of the reclamation project, by which a
wide channel to the seaplane harbor is being made available and the
balance of the 300-acre area is being reclaimed, all in one process.

At the seaplane harbor adjacent to the airport on the north the
United States Coast Guard is well established in its new quarters.
This important base will soon have a personnel of some 100 men, a
portion of which will be attached to the station for training and guard
duty. Two amphibian planes are now in operation at the base, with an
eventual complement of 7 planes scheduled for patrol duty. Two rescue
launches will be available as soon as the channel dredging is completed.

Fifty commercial and privately owned airplanes are based at the
airport. Commercial activity at the field, in addition to airline oper-
ations, consist of 4 aircraft sales agencies representing 7 factories, and
5 flying schools. Four charter services operate a total of 14 planes.
Repair work is done by licensed mechanics who lease shop space in
the hangar annexes.

After considering the above mentioned developments in our city's
airport facilities, it is evident that full advantage is to be taken of
the far reaching benefits which will come from the rapidly expanding
aviation industry.

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Parks

Seventy years ago, by Act of the State Legislature, certain parcels
of land in San Francisco were dedicated for park purposes and placed
under the control and management of three commissioners appointed
by the Governor of the State of California.

Today, under the management and control of five commissioners
appointed by the Mayor, the park system of this city has grown in
acreage and activity to the point where $1,528,327 is appropriated an-
nually by the Board of Supervisors for the care and maintenance of
over 5,000 acres of beautiful scenery that offers a wide scope of free
recreational facilities for old and young.

The Board of Park Commissioners has demonstrated its interest
in the recreational welfare of the citizens of this city by creating
miles of rugged trails lined with trees and plants from every country,
and through the "Father of Parks," Superintendent John McLaren,,
they have provided for the lovers of nature hundreds of acres of grassy
meadows, wooded dells, chains of artificial lakes, water falls, and nooks
where nature may be enjoyed at its best.

For the more active group, the Board of Park Commissioners has
provided many additional play areas. They have purchased additional
property for the development of McLaren Park. Lafayette Park and
Yacht Harbor. They have constructed additional berthing space for
power cruisers and sailing yachts at a cost of over $25,000; rehabilitated
miles of bridle paths in Golden Gate Park; and resurfaced dozens of
tennis courts. Along with these they have continued proper mainte-
nance and supervision of the ever-popular golf courses, horseshoe courts,
bowling greens, polo and baseball areas.

The Works Projects Administration, which has made possible the
development of many projects, turned over to the Park Commission
on October 6, 1940, a new Zoological Garden. This Zoo is considered
one of the finest and most modern in the country with its barless
dens and cages large enough to provide the animals with ample space
to exercise and still provide safety for the spectators. The attendance
the first month it was open was estimated at over 300,000 and it is
the opinion of a great number who had attended that it is now sup-
planting the Exposition as a place of interest.

During the year, the Board of Park Commissioners accepted gen-
erous gifts from well-known benefactors for the beautification of
our City, including the sum of $20,000 for the establishment of a rho-
dodendron and azalea dell covering more than seventeen acres in Golden
Gate Park in tribute to John McLaren for his untiring efforts in de-
veloping rare species; and from Major Edward Bowes the sum of
$10,000 for the construction of a monument to the late William C.
Ralston to be placed in Marina Park upon completion.

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Department's growth during the past year was shown
in a variety of ways, the highlights of which are enumerated as
follows:

Official recognition was given to the San Francisco Recreation De-
partment by the National Recreation Association at the annual con-
vention held in Cleveland, Ohio, for its outstanding contribution in the
field of recreation for being instrumental in the establishment of the
State Recreation Building at the Golden Gate International Exposi-
tion, and for the wide scope of activities conducted therein during the
entire duration of the Fair. This was the first time in the history of
the recreation movement that recreation was ever given recognition
at a world's fair, and one and a half million persons visited the build-
ing. Activities included athletic events, many drama, music and dance

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programs, weekly teas, state and national conferences, and demonstra-
tions and exhibits by the Junior Recreation Museum.

This department is justly proud of its Junior Recreation Museum,
because in a recent survey made by the American Association of Mu-
seums, it was recognized as one of the foremost of its type in America.
This is most gratifying in view of the fact that it has been in existence
for less than five years. At the annual convention of the American
Association of Museums, which was held in San Francisco and Treasure
Island, considerable time was devoted to the subject of Children's Mu-
seums. This is now recognized as an important phase of recreation
work, and children's museums or children's sections in museums exist
in many of the larger cities.

A new recreation unit was added, i. e., the Music Headquarters at
1254 Market Street. The new headquarters were established for all
Recreation Department music and dance activities. Adequate space is
now provided for large groups and this location is fast becoming a
well-known music center.

Nine additional firms joined the industrial division making a total
membership of 89 firms who participated in athletic and social ac-
tivities.

Floodlighting equipment installed at the James Rolph Jr. Playground
will help take take of the great demand for evening activities, es-
pecially Softball.

Dark rooms were constructed and equipped at Southside Center for
Camera Club activities. Maintenance repairs and improvements were
made on playgrounds thereby promoting a better and more efficient
recreation program. The rehabilitation program is under way, and
deferred maintenance work is being completed as rapidly as funds
permit.

Attractive, standard, carved letter wooden playground signs mounted
on 17-foot steel poles were erected on many grounds. These signs readily
identify recreation units.

Initial steps were taken for the establishment of a large social hall
at Camp Mather where vacationists may enjoy evening recreation.
The W. P. A. Co-ordinating Committee is cooperating in this greatly
needed enterprise.

A departmental manual was printed which furnishes the rules guid-
ing employees in the proper performance of their duties. This is a
valuable reference book which has been needed for many years, and
will help in attaining a more efficient operation of the department.

A more detailed account of the Department's activities is to be found
in the Annual Report of the Commission, for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1940.

Board of Permit Appeals

The Board of Permit Appeals is comparable to the Small Claims
Court, inasmuch as appeals can be taken from the various departments
and commissions having granting and revocating power, with regard
to permits and licenses without any cost whatever. There are five mem-
bers appointed to sit as an Appellate Court with regard to permits
and licenses, although the members of this Board are laymen. It is
their duty, when matters are appealed to them, to hear both sides and
make their decisions.

On numerous occasions, appeals were taken where a permit was
denied, due to a minor infraction of the law. While this Board has
not the power to authorize anyone to violate any laws, in many in-
stances, methods were suggested by which minor changes could be
made so that the appellant would be conforming with our laws and the
permit granted.

During the year 119 appeals were heard. These were taken from action

(35)

by the following officials and departments: Fire Department 15; Health
Department 7; Director of Public Works 76; Police Department 5;
Department of Electricity 1; Rehearings granted 7; No jurisdiction 1;
Pending 7; making a total of 119. Of these 30 were affirmed; 74 re-
versed; 1 no jurisdiction; 7 rehearings granted and 7 are pending.

The following changes occurred in the office of the Board of Permit
Appeals, during the year: John J. Whelan, for over eight years, Sec-
retary, passed away on September 25, 1940. Sam Stern was named
acting Secretary from that date until October 15, 1940, when Thomas
W. McCarthy was permanently appointed to fill the vacancy.

The work of the office is up to date. It is the aim of this Department
to dispose of causes before it as rapidly as possible.

City Planning Commission

A marked increase in the activities of the City Planning Commission
over the preceding year was again evidenced. Continued mass home
building upon heretofore unplatted land has commanded considerable
of the time and resources of the department in acting on new sub-
divisions. Many vital planning problems are presented wherever new
subdivisions are established; new streets are created, extension of
public utilities are required, shopping centers, educational facilities
and recreational areas must be planned to provide the common ne-
cessities and conveniences for the prospective home owner. Each and
every element in a new subdivision has a direct bearing on the general
plan of the City and must be considered in its relation to the whole.

The Commission has taken great interest in the development of San
Francisco's Federal Low Cost Housing Projects. The increased popu-
lation of heretofore unpopulated areas, through construction and occu-
pancy of housing projects has presented problems of a city planning
nature. Revamping of the contiguous street systems, adequate shopping
centers, schools, libraries, playgrounds and recreational facilities and
transportation problems must be planned in advance to provide con-
veniences for future occupants. Typical of this phase of Commission
activity may be found in the area surrounding the Sunnydale Project,
scheduled to be completed and ready for occupancy in the spring of
1941. Business centers have already been set aside to accommodate the
anticipated 7500 persons, who it is estimated, will ultimately reside in
the project. Plans have been carefully worked out for the ultimate
development of all properties surrounding the project.

Continued splendid cooperation is being received from various agen-
cies of the municipal government that have to do with the issuing
of licenses and permits. This cooperation, in compliance with Section
24 of the Charter has practically eliminated the issuance of permits or
licenses in violation of the municipal zoning ordinance; and, to a great
degree, has lessened supervision and investigation of such violations.
In the matter of building permits alone, there were checked approxi-
mately 8,900 applications during the first eleven months of the year
1940. This represents an increase of over 500 building permits during the
same period in 1939.

A total of 139 applications for changes in zoning classification were
filed during the first eleven months of 1940. Of the total applications 72
were approved, 43 disapproved, 3 withdrawn and 21 were awaiting
action. In addition to the consideration of applications for changes in
zoning classification, some 50 applications were considered and dis-
posed of proposing the establishment, change or modification of build-
ing set-back lines.

Through the efforts of the City Planning Commission, San Francisco
was selected as the 1940 Convention City for the National Conference
of Planning Officials. The success of the conference, held July 8th to
11th, is evidenced by the following excerpts from a resolution unani-

(36)

mously adopted at the conclusion of the conference: "The incomparable
charm of San Francisco and its gracious hospitality have provided a
perfect setting for the stimulating sessions and significant discussions
of the National Conference on Planning. To. the Honorable Angelo J.
Rossi, Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, the Conference
extends its felicitations and an earnest expression of its appreciation."

Some of the Works Progress Administration Projects, as sponsored
by this department and previously reported in annual reports are either
completed or practically completed. The project, a City Wide Land
Use Survey is completed, a City Wide Mapping Project will be com-
pleted within the next six months, a Scale Model of the City and
County is completed and is now on exhibition in the office of the Reg-
istrar of Voters. Aerial photos have been made of the entire city and
are now available, not only for planning surveys, but to other depart-
ments of the municipal government.

It is to be hoped that if conditions warrant, sufficient moneys will
be appropriated in the ensuing budget for the department to permit
of the commencement of studies toward the making of a Master Plan
for the physical development of the City and County in compliance
with Section 116 of the Charter.

War Memorial

The Municipal War Memorial, consisting of the Veterans' Building,
the Opera House, the Art Museum and the Court of Memory, is per-
haps the most outstanding memorial to deceased veterans. The man-
agement and operation of these buildings and court is reposed in the
War Memorial Trustees of the City and County of San Francisco.

San Francisco's Opera House is the only municipally owned build-
ing of its kind in the United States; the Veterans' Building constitutes
the most pretentious home ever built in the United States for the ex-
clusive use of veterans of wars in which our country has participated;
while the Museum of Art is open to the public in the evenings. The
very nature of this group, which was constructed by the people, shows
at a glance the importance and widely different appeal that each build-
ing holds forth to the various groups of our citizenry. Music lovers
of San Francisco appreciate their possession of the magnificent Opera
House, which is the headquarters of the cultural life of the city. The
veterans enjoy with the utmost appreciation the magnificent edifice
which houses their activities.

Art lovers have recognized the extraordinarily fine museum which
occupies the fourth floor of the Veterans' Building. It is estimated that
approximately a quarter of a million people have availed themselves
of the splendidly lighted and equipped galleries of the Museum during
the past fiscal year.

The four floors of the Veterans' Building, devoted to the offices,
meeting rooms, clubrooms, auditorium and other facilities, serve ap-
proximately 150 organizations of veteran groups. It is estimated that
three-quarters of a million persons annually make use of this building's
facilities. Day and night numerous activities attract large groups of
citizens.

During the past year the Opera House was used 132 times for public
presentations; this represents an approximate attendance of a half
million people. No previous opera season has been more outstanding
or more glamorous than the one immediately past. The world's great-
est artists participated in sixteen performances of grand opera pre-
sented in a manner unequaled in any part of the world. Particularly
outstanding were the stage effects and scenery. This, added to the
abilities of the stellar artists, gave to the citizens of San Francisco a
season of the finest opera presentations ever enjoyed.

The San Francisco high schools, the San Francisco Junior College,

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San Francisco State College and the University of San Francisco have
found the use of the Opera House fitting and proper for the holding
of their graduation exercises. Its architectural beauty adds to the im-
pressiveness of the exercises. The presentation of noted lecturers and
speakers from all parts of the world is another use which is made of
the Opera House. In addition to those uses above mentioned, various
civic and fraternal bodies have found the Opera House an appropriate
place for the holding of their conventions.

Perhaps no one factor is more important to the maintenance of the
San Francisco Opera Association than the existence of our own San
Francisco Opera House. This organization, established in a home be-
fitting the type of culture they represent, has carried the city's name
in all its announcements, circulated throughout the world.

It is considered a very poor day if less than 50 visitors or groups
of visitors visit the buildings of the War Memorial and sign the reg-
ister. Particularly of interest to the visiting public, outside of the
structures themselves, are the donations of art objects made by Mrs.
James L. Flood, consisting of valuable tapestries and furnishings lo-
cated in the Opera House. Also, in the Veterans' Building auditorium
the famous Frank Brangwyn murals adorn the walls.

It is evident that in addition to memorializing our war dead, this
great War Memorial has added to the pleasure of our citizens of all
classes. The imposing edifices of the War Memorial are a great addi-
tion to the city's general appearance. It is felt that the War Memorial
is fully justified and has given an extensive service to all.

The War Memorial Department is operated under city ordinance.
The President of the Board of Trustees during the year 1940 was Judge
Thomas M. Foley.

Art Commission

The year 1940 proved to be the most important in the activities of
the Art Commission since its inception in 1932. The official records
show that there have been a far greater number of regular, special
and committee meetings of this commission than in any previous year.
This group of artists, musicians, literateurs, architects and laymen,
especially those members of the committees of architecture, painting
and sculpture, supervised the Works of Art program for the reopening
of the 1940 fair.

Of particular significance was the Diego Rivera mural, a fresco 22
feet in height and 73 feet in length, which will adorn the library build-
ing of the San Francisco Junior College. This contribution by the great
artist, Diego Rivera, toward the promotion of good will between Mexico
and the United States, has been acclaimed a masterpiece of the fresco
medium.

So indispensable does San Francisco deem the Art Commission con-
certs that the electorate has guaranteed the existence of the symphony
by law.

Four years ago Charter Amendment No. 2 was adopted by a vote
of more than two to one, providing that an amount equal to one-half of
one cent in the tax rate be budgeted annually for municipal symphony
concerts. Thanks to this municipal subsidy the San Francisco Sym-
phony Orchestra is as permanently established as are our parks, art
galleries, museums and libraries.

The last year witnessed the greatest attendance in the history of
San Francisco at the fourteen municipal concerts, given under the
direction of the music committee, J. Emmet Hayden, chairman. Such
names and attractions as John Charles Thomas, Lotte Lehman, Leopold
Stokowski, Josef Hoffman, the Monte Carlo Ballet Russe and others
were offered with the San Francisco Symphony, Pierre Monteux, Con-

(38)

ductor. In conformity with the established policy of the Art Com-
mission, the prices of admission were within the reach of all.

The Municipal Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Hans Leschke,
presented to our citizens and visitors, sixteen free concerts, in San
Francisco and Treasure Island with enthusiastic approval.

The policy of the Municipal Band, Philip H. Sapiro, Conductor, to
concentrate its major activities on the shut-ins at the Laguna Honda
Home, the Health Farm, hospitals and children's homes, has been
enthusiastically appreciated.

The building of San Francisco's future in the realm of Art and
Music is the task of the Art Commission. I am confident that we can
place that responsibility safely in the hands of the members of this
Commission whose enthusiasm, courage and past accomplishments may
be an inspiration for greater achievements in the years to come.

M. H. De Young Memorial Museum

The de Young Museum had an exceptionally good year. The total
attendance through December 15th was 546,503. With the great French
exhibition now being shown at the museum, which during its first
week was attended by about 25,000, it can safely be anticipated that
by the end of the month the attendance figure for the year will well
have passed 600,000.

Outstanding among the exhibitions held during the year were the
exhibition "Seven Centuries of Painting" shown last January, with a
record attendance of 112,666, and the present exhibition "The Painting
of France Since the French Revolution," obtained for its first showing
in the United States through the cooperation of the French Government
from celebrated museums and private collections in France and other
parts of Europe. Both exhibitions gained national importance and
thus contributed greatly to the prestige of our city.

Other shows of particular significance were an exhibition of paint-
ings by the famous Swiss artist, Ferdinand Hodler, held during the
summer months, and an exhibition of Meissen porcelain obtained last
summer from two prominent European collectors and still on view.
This exhibition of the delightful products of the Manufactory of Meis-
sen, the earliest porcelain made in Europe, constitutes the first com-
prehensive showing of these famous masterworks of small dimensions
in the United States.

Among other exhibitions were engravings by Albrecht Durer and
his Predecessors, from the Collection of Lessing J. Rosenwald, British
Wood Engravings; Wash Drawings and Prints by Mark Milsk; Japan-
ese Color Prints from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Grabhorn;
One Hundred Selected Prints from the 24th Annual Exhibition of the
Society of American Etchers; Paintings by William Harnett; Houses
and Housing, circulated by the Museum of Modern Art, New York,
and assembled in collaboration with the United States Housing Author-
ity; Seventh International Exhibition of Lithography and Wood En-
graving; Drawings by Augustus John; Coptic Textiles from the Col-
lection of Mr. and Mrs. Charles de Young Elkus; Chinese Prints (18th
Century) from the Collection of Miss Carlotta Mabury; Flower Ar-
rangements by the Students of Web Allen.

There were several photographic exhibitions, among them the 23rd
Annual Photographic Salon of the Camera Pictorialists of Los Angeles
and Minicam Photographs by Sidney Philip Kahn.

Among the acquistions during the last year were a marble bust by
the celebrated French sculptor, Auguste Rodin, of Mr. Edward H.
Harriman, donated by his sons, Messrs. E. R. and W. A. Harriman;
some excellent pieces of 18th century French and Italian furniture,
textiles and smaller art objects, presented by Mr. Archer M. Hunting-
ton, who also donated an exquisite portrait of his mother, Mrs. Collis

( 39)

P. Huntington, by the French painter, Alexandre Cabanel. Several
smaller objects, such as Roman glass, were added to the collections of
the museum as purchases of the M. H. de Young Endowment Fund.
Finally, a considerable number of objects, especially furniture, which
had not been on view because of their unsightly condition, have been
cleaned and restored by members of the staff and now form splendid
additions to the permanent exhibits.

Due to war conditions the museum fell heir, temporarily at least,
to some great masterworks which had been lent to the 1939-1940 Fairs
from European collections. Noteworthy among these are: two superb
portraits by Frans Hals and one interesting group portrait by Jan de
Bray from the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem; the famous painting
by Sir Joshua Reynolds "Infant Samuel" from the National Gallery in
London which, as a special courtesy to our Fair and despite all war
dangers, had been sent to San Francisco only last June; an exquisite
Madonna and Child by Peter Paul Rubens, from a London private
collection and likewise shipped over here only recently.

The Educational Department carried on its regular activities for
both adults and children. Regular lectures and gallery tours have been
held for the public, illustrating current exhibitions and permanent
material and special work has been conducted with study groups,
schools, clubs, universities and other organizations. The children's
puppet plays and classes are continuing with ever increasing attend-
ance. Exhibitions and art classes for the blind will also be continued
during the coming year.

Exposition Art Department

It may safely be said that this year's exhibition of European and
American art of the past was a worthy successor to last year's great
show. Despite the obvious difficulty of competing with the world-
famous treasures from Europe which we were fortunate enough to
have in our midst in 1939, the wealth of great art in our country is
such that Dr. Walter Heil was yet able to secure an exhibition which,
on the whole, can well stand comparison with that of last year. In
various respects this year's show was actually richer and more com-
prehensive than the former one.

While there was again a good representation of the art of the Italian
Renaissance, the important masters of the Italian Baroque, almost
entirely missing last year, were this time displayed in numerous and
magnificent examples. Flemish painting of the loth and 16th centuries
found excellent representation this year including one of the out-
standing masterpieces by the great Pieter Brueghel. The Germans of
the same period, also entirely missing last year, were this time repre-
sented by five characteristic examples. Also included were exceptionally
fine examples of the Dutch school of the 17th century, Spanish painting
from the 16th to the 19th centuries and French and English painting
of the 18th century. Of particular significance was a group of French
19th century paintings unequaled in scope and individual excellence
by anything that had ever been shown before in these parts.

Last, but far from least, the exhibition of American art, both old
and modern, was particularly well received. The fact that they held
their own with the European Old Masters can only be interpreted as
a compliment to the art of our own country.

A special vote of thanks must be given to Dr. Heil for having again
succeeded in getting together a magnificent exhibition.

California Palace of the Legion of Honor

Gratifying evidence of the important part which the California
Palace of the Legion of Honor continues to play in the cultural life

(40)

of San Francisco and the Bay Region is provided by the attendance
record of the past twelve months. 200,000 persons visited the museum
during 1940 — an increase of more than 45,000.

As in past years, a full and varied program of loan exhibitions was
presented to the public. Outstandingly successful was the Exhibition
of Seven Centuries of Painting, held jointly at the California Palace
of the Legion of Honor and the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum
during January — an exhibition which included notable loans from
many leading European and American museums and from distinguished
private collections in this country and abroad.

Other exhibitions, which received enthusiastic reception, included:
oils and watercolors by Cleveland artists; paintings and prints by
Tom Craig and sculpture by Archibald Garner; portraits by Catherine
Wentworth; watercolors by Sanford Ross; paintings by Barbara Steven-
son and Ellwood Graham; etchings by Max Pollak; paintings by Jose
Ramis; art section, Northern Junior College Association; paintings
by Margery Eakin; modern European paintings from the 1939 Exposi-
tion; 19th International Watercolor Exhibition (circuited by the Art
Institute of Chicago) ; oils by Marsden Hartley; watercolors by Maria
Izquierdo and Raul Uribe; portraits by Dorothy Vicaji; paintings and
sculpture by members of the Society for Sanity in Art; paintings of
Mexico by Frank Perri; landscapes of Hawaii by Reuben Tarn; draw-
ings by Gene Frances; oils by A. G. Warhawsky; drawings by Jean
Vigoureux; watercolors by George Post; and a Centennial Exhibition
of the work of Auguste Rodin.

In March the permanent collections of the museum were enormously
enriched by receipt of the munificent gift of Mr. H. K. S. Williams and
his wife, the late Mildred Anna Williams, a gift consisting of some
sixty paintings by many of the leading masters of the principal
European schools from the 16th to the 19th centuries, three fine tapes-
tries, six 18th century commodes, and a superb set of eight chairs and
a sofa, covered in Beauvais silk tapestry, of the Louis XV Period.
These treasures, installed in four galleries together with other bene-
factions of the same donors, form the "Mildred Anna Williams Col-
lection."

During the year Mr. Williams has generously added to the Collection
the following paintings and sculptures: "On the River Oise" by Charles
Francois Daubigny (1817-1878); "The Frightened Children" by Gabriel
Decamps (1803-1860); "Gypsies in a Forest" by Narcisse Diaz (1807-
1876); "Cattle Wading" by Jules Dupre (1811-1889); "After the Hunt"
by William Michael Harnett (1848-1892); "Cattle and Landscape" by
Willem Maris (1840-1910); "Landscape with Cattle" by Anton Mauve
(1838-1888); "Arlesian Ladies" by Adolphe Monticelli (1824-1886);
"Portrait of Alexander Carre" by Sir Henry Raeburn (1756-1823);
"Peasants Merrymaking" by David Teniers, the Younger (1610-1690);
"Egyptian Ruins and Figures" by Francesco Zuccarelli (1702-1788);
and "Cowboy" and "Cowgirl," two bronzes by Herbert Hazeltine.

Mrs. Alma de Bretteville Spreckels Awl has continued her bene-
factions to the museum, presenting this year five famous bronzes by
Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) "St. John the Baptist," "The Age of Bronze,"
"The Prodigal Son," "The Call to Arms," and "Fallen Angel," and also
nine characteristic watercolor drawings by the master.

Further gifts to the California Palace of the Legion of Honor were
"View of Linebeck" (oil), by Joseph Raphael, and fifteen lithographs
by the same artist, presented by Mr. Albert M. Bender; "Suzanna and
the Elders" (oil and tempera) by Thomas Benton, presented by an
anonymous donor; "The Budding Branch" (bronze) by Karoly Fulop,
presented by the artist; "Portrait of Clothilde" by Tom Craig, pre-
sented by Mr. H. K. S. Williams; "Portrait of Modesta" (charcoal and
pastel drawing) by Irene de Bohus, and "Flower Piece" (oil), by Bar-
bara Herbert, presented by Mrs. Edgar Walter; "Portrait of Felix

(41 )

Morris" (oil) by Mary Curtis Richardson (184S-1931) presented by
Miss Lucia Chamberlain; and "Sacrifice of Isaac" (oil) by Jean Jac-
ques Spoede (c.1680-1757) from the estate of Henrietta Gassner. The
museum library received donations of books and photographs from Mr.
Mortimer Leventritt, Mrs. Elizabeth Huntington Metcalf, Mrs. Ashton
Potter and Mrs. Edgar Walter.

In addition to these acquisitions, "Four Apples" (oil) by Maurice
Del Mue, and "Friendship" (bronze) by Haig Patigian were purchased
from the James D. Phelan Bequest; and "Portrait of Mile. H." (oil)
by Catherine Wentworth, presented by the artist.

Special mention must be made of the increased activities of the Edu-
cational Department. Aside from regular lectures and gallery tours
designed for both adults and children in connection with permanent
and loan exhibitions, members of the educational staff have conducted
a series of discussion groups for colleges, schools, clubs, and other
organizations. New activities, which have proved extremely popular,
are weekly radio programs, a Saturday morning art class for children,
and a program of motion pictures shown with no admission charge
on alternate Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the Little Theater of
the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.

San Francisco Public Library

The following summary of the activities of the Library Department
for the past year prove that it was one of the most constructive and
active in its history.

The library system now consists of the main library, twenty-one
branches and five deposit stations. Approximately 10,000,000 volumes
were used either for home reading or reference and research purposes
in the main library and branches. The collection now numbers 525,000
volumes and thousands of pamphlets.

With the enthusiastic cooperation of the Junior Chamber of Com-
merce I proclaimed Public Library Week from November 11th to 16th.
During this period the resources of the library were emphasized over
the radio, before clubs and throughout the schools of the city.

The stimulation of this week, in conjunction with the program of
continuous publicizing of the library facilities, was so successful that
the registration of new borrowers was increased by over 12,000. This
is the largest increase in the history of the library and now 140,515
persons draw books for home reading.

It was necessary to make extensive repairs on the roof, replace the
ceiling and install new lighting fixtures in the McCreery Branch. This
branch was badly shaken in the earthquake of 1906 and has needed
attention for some time. These repairs and improvements have made
this branch very attractive. The Portola Branch was moved to a new
location where the quarters are more commodious. All the buildings in
the library system are now in first class condition.

At the dedication of the Bernal Branch on Sunday, October 20th, I
officially accepted the building for the City of San Francisco. The
Improvement Club held elaborate ceremonies at which many city
officials attended. This model branch building is the second that was
constructed with W. P. A. funds, at a cost of approximately $90,000.
With an up-to-date collection of 15,000 volumes and beautiful furnish-
ings this branch is one of the finest in the city. As an experiment,
this branch was so planned that the Recreation Department has
quarters in the basement and a playground for the younger children
in the rear. This combination should prove a valuable asset to the
Bernal district.

A number of requests for extensions to the branch system have been
received and have been referred to the Branch Committee of the
Library Commission. Many of these requests are from thickly populated

(42)

districts that do not have adequate library service at the present time.
However, it absolutely impossible to consider any request until special
funds are set aside for this purpose. It is only to maintain the present
organization with the current appropriation.

It is very opportune that the Library has such an extensive and up-
to-date collection of technical books in such fields as aviation, ship-
building, chemistry, etc., as it is proving invaluable at present to
the large number of persons interested in national defense activities.

Special stress has been placed on books on Americanization through-
out the year and during American Citizenship Week the Sequoia Chap-
ter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held ceremonies in
the library and presented a Shrine of the Constitution and Declaration
of Independence. This Shrine was on display in the main library for
over two weeks and then sent to each branch throughout the city for
a specified period.

The library also worked in close cooperation with the Boy Scouts
and the Camp Fire Girls during their National weeks. Displays were
held in the library and book lists were compiled and distributed.

The exhibition of Fifty Books of the Year, sponsored by the Ameri-
can Institute of Graphic Arts, was on display in the exhibit room of
the main library for the month of February- This exhibit was held
simultaneously with similar ones in New York and Minneapolis. It was
an excellent display and attracted a large number of visitors from San
Francisco and surrounding cities.

For the duration of the Golden Gate International Exposition the
library lent valuable material from the Phelan and Max Kuhl Col-
lections to the rare books exhibit in the California Building. A collection
of books, mainly on California, was also lent to the California Commis-
sion in the Recreation Building for the use of visitors who were inter-
ested in the history and literature of the west.

With the permission of the Library Commission the draft boards in
the various districts are using the basements of the branch libraries.

An entrance examination for librarians was held on April 26th.
Twenty candidates took this examination and thirteen passed and were
placed on the eligible list.

The library staff carried on an active campaign for City Charter
Amendment No. 2 which will place library employees under civil serv-
ice. This amendment had my hearty endorsement as well as that of
all civic clubs, organizations and newspapers. Commencing on January
1, 1942, all library employees, exclusive of the City Librarian, Secretary,
part time assistants and pages, will be under civil service and all future
appointments will be made through this Commission.

Miss Alice M. Healy for many years Chief Cataloger retired on
August 1st. Mr. George Kemper was appointed to the Library Commis-
sion to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Frank P. Deering.
Mr. Thomas Rolph resigned from the Commission on being elected
representative to Congress.

The library received a number of interesting and valuable gifts from
individuals for the general collection as well as for the music and fine
arts division.

In conclusion I wish to take this opportunity to express my apprecia-
tion of the efficient and loyal cooperation of the library staff.

San Francisco Law Library

The Law Library located in the City Hall, is a department of our
municipality of which San Francisco may be proud. Originally a private
corporation, it became the property of the City and County in 1869,
consisting of approximately two thousand volumes. In 1906 the library,
then containing forty-eight thousand volumes, was totally destroyed

(43)

by fire. Under the able management of its librarian, James H. Deering,
the library was rebuilt, and acquired nearly sixty-seven thousand vol-
umes at the time of Mr. Deering's resignation in 1928.

The present librarian, Robert C. Owens, succeeding Mr. Deering, has
continued his policy of management and service, and the library now
has on its shelves one hundred and eleven thousand volumes of legal
lore.

The legal material covers text-books, statutes, reported decisions,
legal periodicals, and citations of all American states, British countries
and dominions, as well as many other foreign countries.

This library is recognized as one of the best collections of legal
material in the nation. The competent and courteous service given to
the legal profession and the general public by the librarian and his
assistants is noteworthy.

Chief Administrative Officer

Efforts of the office of the Chief Administrative Officer have been
directed toward interdepartmental cooperation during the last year in a
belief that governmental progress and efficiency and the public are best
served by joint rather than individual but uncoordinated endeavors.

The Chief Administrative Officer is charged with the supervision
of nine departments, under one of which there are five sub-departments,
or county offices. Not only has the work of these departments been
coordinated, but the Chief Administrative Officer has enjoyed the co-
operation of departments not under his jurisdiction.

Reports of the activities of the several departments under the Chief
Administrative Officer will follow this statement. Only a few brief
comments will be made here.

The Department of Public Works under Director A. D. Wilder com-
pleted during the year a five and a half million dollar school building
program and a program of hospital construction totaling two and a
half million dollars. The Nineteenth Avenue-Funston approach to
the Golden Gate Bridge, which is serving also as a fine entrance to the
city and as an important cross-town artery, was brought to completion
and is being equipped with a modern traffic signal system.

Registrar C. J. Collins' final annual report is appended hereto. After
eleven and a half years of service as registrar and more than 15 years
as election commissioner, this fine public servant will retire to a well
earned rest at the age of 70 this month. His last year has been one of
his busiest, as his office during 1940 conducted three important elections,
with record registrations and votes, and as an extra assignment super-
vised the selective service registration for national defense.

Major Collins will be succeeded by a registrar selected through civil
service examination in accordance with the 1932 charter, the fourth
county office previously elective to be so filled.

Thomas A. Toomey made a fine record for efficiency during his first
year as recorder, a position he earned through competitive examination.
Herman A. van der Zee, a civil service appointee to a formerly
elective office, continued to carry out effectively the duties of county
clerk.

Coroner T. B. W. Leland retired at the age of 70 after approximately
40 years of devoted service to the community interrupted only by serv-
ice with the armed forces of the United States during the first world
war. The high esteem in which Dr. Leland is held was attested by the
many tributes paid him by both civilians and officials upon his retire-
ment. Dr. Leland has been succeeded by Dr. J. J. Kingston, who won the
position through competitive examination.

The Department of Public Health under Director Dr. J. C. Geiger
again carried the burdens of safeguarding the health of visitors to our

(44)

Exposition and of condemning obsolete sub-standard dwellings in con-
nection with the city's low rental housing program in addition to the
regular functions of the department. A blood bank, described in the
department's report, was an outstanding accomplishment of the year.

That local government is big business will be evident to those who
read the reports of such departments as the city purchaser and real
estate director. The purchasing office, which under the direction of
Thomas A. Brooks serves all city departments, made purchases totaling
nearly $6,000,000 at an administrative cost of but 1.26 per cent. Pur-
chases are made under strict regulations that insure fairness to all
business supply firms.

The Real Estate Department, under Director Joseph J. Phillips, made
land purchases totaling $779,987, sales amounting to $68,196, and col-
lected $154,154 in rents besides the $52,000 revenues of the Civic Audi-
torium.

The Publicity and Advertising fund has been administered with a
view to influencing visitors and new businesses to come to San Fran-
cisco.

The various departments under the Chief Administrative Officer
have not been content to perform their day to day work only, but have
made or kept up to date plans for future improvements. Department
heads stand ready to collaborate with other departments of the city
and county and with a central committee to be appointed by the mayor
in the coordination of various departmental plans and the formulation
of a forward looking master plan for the further progress of San Fran-
cisco.

Department of Finance and Records

This Department embraces the functions and personnel of the offices
of the Tax Collector, Registrar of Voters, County Clerk, Recorder, and
Public Administrator, and is under the supervision of a director who
is appointed by the Chief Administrative Officer. The expenses of the
Director's office for the calendar year 1940 were $7,945.50.

The five subsidiary divisions clear all their requisitions, purchase
orders, pay rolls, etc., through the Director's office, from whence they
are, after approval, forwarded either to the Purchasing Division, or to
the Civil Service Commission as the case may demand. All their re-
quests for either permanent or temporary employments must also be
approved by the Director.

Tax Collector

For the fiscal year, ended June 30, 1940, the following collections
were made:

Real Estate taxes and secured Personal Property taxes, $29,484,689.30.

Unsecured Personal Property taxes (exclusive of delinquent revenue)
$936,419.96; total, $30,421,109.26.

In the Bureau of Delinquent Revenue, collections totaled $183,198.80,
less by $14,545.40 than in the report of the preceding fiscal year. The
Bureau of Licenses collected $318,572.07.

Total collections: $30,922,880.13. which is a decrease of $731,653.00
from the total collections of the fiscal year 1938-1939.

Registrar of Voters

The office of the Registrar of Voters during the 1940 calendar year
was without doubt the busiest office in the municipal government.
Besides conducting three major elections, viz.: Presidential Primary
on May 7, 1940, the Direct or State Primary on August 27, 1940, and
the Presidential Election on November 5, 1940, it also conducted the

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election for Health Service Directors and assisted in the election for
member of the Municipal Retirement Commission.

The registration of voters for the presidential election reached a
figure of 383,845; an all-time high in San Francisco, while the vote
cast at that election was 315,518, the greatest ever cast in San Fran-
cisco.

The registration and vote cast at the three major elections referred
to above is as follows:

Registration Vote

Presidential Primary, May 7, 1940 348,167 173,879

State Primary, August 27, 1940 356,689 191,411

Presidential, November 5, 1940 383,845 315,518

Detail work necessary in handling such a tremendous registration
is very great and this office is sadly in need of room to satisfactorily
handle the public, as well as room to permit the large force of tem-
porary employees necessary for each election to work with some degree
of comfort.

Total new registrations for 1940 were 49,037, in addition to which
there were 58,568 who re-registered after changing residence, also
2,961 who changed their political affiliation after registering. Also,
during the year this office notarized approximately 9,000 civil service
papers or other documents and issued approximately 10,000 certificates
of registration, a great many of which necessitated going back to old
records, to assist aged people to establish their correct ages.

The Absent Voter's Law causes a vast amount of work in connection
with each election and is a cause of great expense to the office. For
three elections this year the applications and votes cast under this
law were as follows:

Applications Vote

Presidential Primary 1271 1126

State Primary 2488 2238

Presidential Election 8000 7481

Petitions: In connection with the Presidential Primary four nomi-
nating petitions aggregating 15,985 signatures were received and
checked and for the State Primary two hundred and fifty-four peti-
tions were received and checked, aggregating approximately 8,250
signatures.

Also, this office received two initiative petitions to check and certify
to the Secretary of State aggregating 27,648 signatures and one recall
petition with 39,123 signatures. Two other initiative petitions are to be
filed and certified to the Secretary of State before December 27, 1940.

The continued growth of registration necessitated increasing the
number of voting precincts from 1,084 to 1,103. The 1941 Legislature
will make a re-apportionment of assembly districts throughout the
State of California and we will be required to re-precinct the entire
City and County of San Francisco during 1941 and more voting pre-
cincts will be added to reduce congestion in many of the existing
precincts.

Elections this year were all conducted efficiently and with approxi-
mately no delay or inconvenience to the voting public. The 1,300 voting
machines which are owned and fully paid for by the City and County
seemed inadequate to conduct the anticipated large vote at the Novem-
ber election and 35 additional machines were rented to relieve some of
the congestion. It is recommended that these 35 machines be purchased
forthwith, and that provision be made in the 1941-1942 budget for
additional voting machines.

The returns of all elections were handled with speed and accuracy
and it is worthy of note that the returns from the 1,103 polling places
for the Presidential Election were all received before 11 o'clock P. M.,
and a complete tabulation given to the press and public before 1 o'clock

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A. M. the morning following the election — a monumental job when one
realizes that 315,518 votes were cast.

In accordance with the Selective Service Act of the Congress and
Proclamation by the President of the United States, this office con-
ducted the registration provided for in said Act without cost to the
City and County. Under supervision of the office force the Selective
Service registration was done by the usual election officers in the cus-
tomary polling place in each precinct, and a great vote of thanks is
coming to these election officers who entered into the work so whole-
heartedly without compensation to them. Very little time was allowed
to make the necessary preparations for this registration, but the work
was accomplished; 87,000 approximately registered on October 16, 1940,
and on the following day the registration certificates were delivered
to the local boards throughout the City without any blare of trumpets.

The foregoing are some of the highlights of the activities of this
office during 1940, but they can in no way convey the vast amount of
detail involved that everything may be in readiness so that each voter
may cast his or her vote on the day of election without delay or incon-
venience.

County Clerk

An important change in the operation of the County Clerk's office,
during the year 1940, consisted in the re-establishment of the Naturali-
zation Department on May 6, 1940. This work was discontinued in
1928, whereupon all naturalization cases were handled by the U. S.
District Court in San Francisco. At the request of our Superior Court
Judges, it is now resumed and our Superior Courts and the County
Clerk's office are disposing of a substantial number of applications by
aliens desiring American citizenship.

The benefits result in relieving pressure upon the Federal Courts,
due to a huge increase in applications for citizenship and also sub-
stantial revenues for the municipal treasury, without additional ex-
pense, or the requirement of additional personnel, thus far. Therefore,
the successful effort of Honorable T. I. Fitzpatrick, Presiding Judge of
our Superior Court, in bringing about the return of naturalization work
to our Superior Courts has been of great value to the municipality and
to hundreds of deserving aliens. The cooperation of Judge Fitzpatrick
and the other Superior Judges, engaged in hearing these naturaliza-
tion cases, is gratefully acknowledged.

Total moneys received for the year 1939-1940, fees, together with
fines and forfeitures in criminal cases, amounts to $124,414.64.

Public Administrator

The Public Administrator's report covers the period January 1 to
December 15th, inc., 1940.

Number of estates wherein Public Administrator took possession,
263; number of estates in which final accounts have been settled and
allowed, 264; administrator's commissions collected and paid into
County Treasury, $27,358.59; attorney's fees collected and paid into
County Treasury, $27,458.59; total commissions and fees paid into
County Treasury, $54,817.18; total cost of operation of office, $40,267.39;
profit, $14,549.79.

During the period under consideration, the business of this Depart-
ment was maintained at a steady level and continued to show a com-
mendable profit.

Recorder

During the year 1940, the Recorder has made some changes permitted
by the State law, resulting in a more economical operation of the de-

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partment and increased service to the public. The system of indexing
instruments has been improved to facilitate the search of records, also
the method of copying has been revised to accomplish the saving of
approximately two-sevenths of the space required for the preservation
of official records.

Improvements have been made in working conditions for the copy-
ing department, and further improvements, particularly in lighting,
are planned. This department is required to copy into the official records
a definite number of folios. This year an increased amount of work
has been copied without the employment of additional help. Much
credit is due the staff for its co-operative spirit.

The Recorder is making every effort to eliminate obstructions in
the State law prohibiting the use of photographic recording which,
if installed in the department, will greatly increase the service to
the public and eventually result in savings in departmental expenses
in excess of $25,000 annually — and without reduction in the present
staff.

Fees for the calendar year total $127,655.23, while expenses were
$87,559.34.

Department of Electricity

The following is a summary of work accomplished by the Depart-
ment of Electricity during 1940. This department manufactures, installs
and maintains fire alarm boxes, police boxes and traffic-control devices.

Fire Alarm System: Installed 23 new fire alarm boxes, making a
total of 1,596 boxes now in service. Monthly tests of fire alarm boxes
totaled 19,025. Total number of signals transmitted, 30,496. Police
boxes: Installed 23 new police boxes, and 23 boxes were taken to the
shop, repaired and put back in service. Traffic signals: There are 209
intersections controlled by automatic traffic signals, which were main-
tained and repaired by this department. Painted in service 1,585 signals.
Street Signs: Installed 142 new street signs, repaired and replaced 388
old signs, and painted 1,221 signs. A number of streets were widened
which required the removal of traffic signals and fire alarm boxes
back to new curb lines, also cable conduits on these streets had to be
relocated. Radio receiving sets were maintained and repaired in 114
police cars, 69 motorcycles, 23 fire department cars, 2 fire boats, 1
police boat and in 19 police stations and offices. Teletype system con-
sisting of 16 teletypes maintained for the Police Department.

Machine Shop: Manufactured 17 traffic signals, 450 street signs, 27
fire alarm boxes, 1 fire alarm box standard, 6 traffic timer board heads
and 12 motorcycle radio antennas.

Inspection Bureau: Received 22,298 applications, approved 20,125
applications, and 65,288 inspections were made. During the year the
ordinances regulating mechanical amusement devices and musical
machines became effective, and this department inspected 4,580 pin
ball machines and 1,388 phonographs. Also, 463 inspections were nec-
essary for the enforcement of the paint spray ordinance which became
effective February 1, 1940, and necessary inspections were made to
enforce the retail sales ordinance. Inspection fees and other revenue
received amounted to $87,925.65.

Inspections of overhead line construction totaled 4,726.

Total expenditures amounted to $207,989.00.

Real Estate Department

Under the Director of Property, the Real Estate Department has
charge of the purchase and lease of real property and improvements
required for all City and County purposes, and the sale and lease of
real property and improvements thereon owned by the City and

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County, except as otherwise provided by the Charter; also the man-
agement of the Civic Auditorium.

The Director of Property maintains complete records and maps of
all real property owned by the City and County, and annually reports
the estimated value of each parcel and improvement. The annual re-
port for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1940, recently completed by
the Director of Property, shows the combined valuation of City owned
lands and improvements to be $129,091,429.00.

During the year 1940, the Real Estate Department purchased 157
parcels of land and rights of way at a total cost of $779,987.00 for va-
rious projects including Lombard Street, Portola Drive, Third Street,
Army Street, a service road along Junipero Serra Boulevard, Yacht
Harbor, Aquatic Park, Fleishhacker Playfield, Lafayette Square, Sig-
mund Stern Recreational Grove, the San Francisco Airport, and play-
grounds.

The acquisition of property for widening Lombard Street, from Rich-
ardson Avenue to Van Ness Avenue, is the largest single project under
way at this time, involving the purchase of many parcels of land and
the relocation or razing of the buildings on the improved property.

A total amount of $68,196.00 has been received by the City from the
sale of 15 parcels of real property.

In July, the Director of Property, aided by sixteen outside expert
real estate and building appraisers, assisted the Board of Supervisors,
sitting as a Board of Equalization, in investigating and reporting upon
350 requests made for equalization of 1940-1941 assessments on taxable
real property in San Francisco.

A lease was awarded to United Air Lines Transport Corporation
covering 15.05 acres of land at the San Francisco Airport, for a period
of 20 years, at a total rental of $130,000.00. Pan American Airways
has concentrated its activities at Treasure Island, and has cancelled
its lease at the San Francisco Airport in San Mateo County.

$154,154.00 has been collected from miscellaneous rentals of City
owned lands and improvements, representing a $10,154.00 increase over
last year. About $52,000.00 has been earned from rentals at the Civic
Auditorium.

Every effort is being made by the Real Estate Department to sell
City owned lands not required for municipal purposes in order that
the City may receive the proceeds from such sales and put the property
on the tax rolls.

Sealer of Weights and Measures

For the calendar year of 1940, the Sealer of Weights and Measures
reports the continuance of full cooperation from businessmen of San
Francisco in relation to their transactions with the purchasing public.

The percentage of men who seek to defraud their customers is very
small. All obsolete types of weighing and measuring devices have been
condemned and confiscated and replaced by new equipment.

Through the efforts of this Department, the practice of selling food-
stuffs on a half cent basis was discontinued. All meat, poultry and
delicatessen dealers were visited and informed that this system is
not in the interest of consumers. Several arrests were made. The prac-
tise of marking weights on a tag attached to the neck of turkeys has
been checked, due to a ruling that the supplier must weigh poultry
at time of sale.

The press, municipal judges and other officials have given splendid
support, and violations were thus held to a minimum. The staff per-
formed their duties in a manner most satisfactory to all concerned.

Inspection of scales showed the following statistics: sealed, 17,413;
adjusted, 1,273; condemned, 346; confiscated. 65; total, 19,097.

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Weights: sealed, 15,711; adjusted, 38; condemned, 7; confiscated, 24;
total, 15,780. Measures: sealed, 18,250; adjusted, 2; condemned, 1,156;
confiscated, 6; total, 19,406. Gasoline Pumps: sealed, 3,844; adjusted,
98; condemned, 103; confiscated, 3; total, 4,048.

Merchandise packages re-weighed, 174,412; condemned, 1,335; total,
175,747. Complaints received and adjusted, 47. Establishments visited,
9,014; Certificates issued, 7,909. Arrests, 6, with 6 convictions; fines,
$250.00.

Department of Public Works

The following major projects were completed during the calendar
year 1940: A School Building Program amounting to nearly $5,475,559
was completed prior to the opening of the school term in August,
1940. This money was derived from a Bond Issue in 1938, Common
School Fund and a 45% Grant from the Federal Government.

The following schools were completed under this program: San
Francisco Junior College, science building; San Francisco Junior Col-
lege, two gymnasium buildings; George Washington High, gymnasium
and athletic field; George Washington High, auditorium building;
Abraham Lincoln High, academic building; James Denman Jr. High,
academic and shop buildings; James Denman Jr. High, gymnasium
building; Samuel Gompers Trades School; Marina Jr. High, auditorium
building; Horace Mann, gymnasium and cafeteria building; Mission
High athletic field; Portola Jr. High, auditorium building; Francis
Scott Key, kindergarten building; Francis Scott Key, auditorium; Glen
Park, kindergarten building; Lawton Elementary School additions
and Visitacion Valley kindergarten building.

School Buildings Other Than P.W.A. Projects:

Abraham Lincoln High School, final plans have been completed, paid
for and approved by the Board of Education for the construction of a
gymnasium building estimated to cost $250,000; Lowell High School,
final plans have been completed, paid for and approved by the Board
of Education for the construction of a girls' gymnasium building,
estimated to cost $125,000; Aquatic Park Mooring Dock, for school
activities was constructed at a cost of $15,000; Bay View School,
heating equipment plant installed at a cost of $9,719; Samuel Gompers
Trades School, yard work and fences constructed, at a cost of $7,721;
San Francisco Junior College, roads and paths constructed at a cost
of $22,587; Miraloma School, moving temporary buildings on site and
construction of yard work and installation of urinals and toilets,
$15,837; Parkside School, alterations costing $7,207; Sunshine Ortho-
pedic and Sunshine Health Schools, installation of ventilating system,
at a cost of $3,426; Ulloa School, excavating for school site, at a cost
of $6,400.

Painting School Buildings:

The following schools were painted during 1940, at a cost of $22,065:
Everett Jr. High, partial interior and exterior; Galileo High, partial
interior and exterior; High School of Commerce, partial exterior;
Grattan, partial interior and exterior; Douglas, partial interior and
exterior; Marshall, partial interior and exterior; blackboards were in-
stalled, at a cost of $12,960, at the Emerson and Grant Schools.

Hospital Building Program:

A Hospital Building Program was completed amounting to approxi-
mately $2,500,000. The money was derived from a Bond Issue in 1938
and a 45% Grant from the Federal Government. The following build-
ings were completed and equipment installed in many: Laguna Honda
Home, ward buildings, nurses' buildings and male attendants' building,
new generators and elevators, new concrete garage, new switchboard
and X-ray equipment, new equipment and furniture; San Francisco
Hospital, gate lodges, elevators, garage and laundry buildings, cubicles,

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grounds, fence in psychopathic building, gate shelters, service build-
ings, X-ray equipment, new equipment and furniture; Hassler Health
Home, kitchen building, ward buildings, children's building, duplex
residences, doctors' residences, dormitory ward buildings, roads and
fire protection system, gate lodge and fences, sewage pump station,
sewer system and incinerator, X-ray equipment and furniture and
equipment.

Miscellaneous Buildings — Construction and Additions:

Auditorium, sanding floors, $1,250; sound proofing, $3,880; acoustical
treatment, $2,219; City Hall, air conditioning equipment, Bureau of
Traffic Fines, $813; elevator repairs, $3,146; air conditioning courtroom
400, $3,737; Health Center Building, alterations to fourth floor, $11,250;
Main Public Library, filter installation, $2,051; Mission Playfield,
19th and Angelica Streets, tiling of swimming pool, $4,237.

State Highway Construction by Contract:

Nineteenth Avenue Boulevard, the last two links of this boulevard
from Lawton to Pacheco Streets and Pacheco to Taraval Streets were
completed at a cost of $210,000; Lombard Street, Richardson Avenue
to Van Ness Avenue, land purchases have been made in the amount of
approximately $650,000, and it is expected that all necessary land will
have been acquired and construction work on its widening will be
started before the end of 1941; total boulevard construction, $860,000.

Major Street Construction by Contract:

Ninth Street, Market to Division, widened, $80,000; Post Street, Mar-
ket to Taylor, removed tracks and repaved, $45,000; Polk Street, Mc-
Allister to Turk, widened, $7,000; Ocean Avenue, Alemany Boulevard
to San Jose Avenue, reconstructed, $10,000; Portola Drive, Sydney
Way to Waltham, widened, $17,000; Portola Drive, 25th to 26th Street,
paved $6,000; El Camino del Mar, 27th Avenue to Lake, reconstructed,
$5,000; 6th Street, Bridge over Channel Street, repaired, $6,000; total,
$176,000.

Pumping Stations and Sewers Constructed by Contract Paid from
General Tax Funds:
Ingleside sewer, replacements, 19th Avenue to Junipero Serra Bou-
levard, $13,700; Lake Merced sewer trestle, replacements, $12,000; Sea
Cliff pumping station, $62,000; total, $87,700.

Sewers Constructed by Contract and Paid With Available Moneys From
1927 Boulevard Bond Issue:
Alemany Boulevard, Mission to Crescent Avenue, $23,000; Bayshore
Boulevard, Waterloo to Helena, $26,000; total, $49,000.

W.P.A. Major Street Projects

The following streets have been improved or widened by the Works
Progress Administration forces with sponsorship from the Special Gas
Tax Street Improvement Fund: Columbus Avenue, Montgomery to
Bay, widened, $36,120; O'Shaughnessy Boulevard, Bosworth to Portola,
paving and sewer, $37,321; Eleventh Street, Market to Division,
widened, $25,000; Polk Street, Turk to Post, widened, $8,400; Fourth
Street, Market to Townsend, widened, $23,863; Post Street, Scott to
Webster, widened, $9,320; Post Street, Van Ness to Webster, Scott to
Presidio, widened, $25,500; Presidio Avenue, Post to Geary, widened,
$2,500; Howard Street, Spear to Steuart, repaved, and Steuart Street,
Mission to Howard, repaved, $12,200; Bryant Street, 10th to 11th
Streets, widened, $6,000; Howard Street, 9th to 14th Streets, widened,
$40,000; total, $226,224.

W.P.A. Street Projects:

The following streets have been improved or widened by the Works

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Progress Administration forces with sponsorship from the County
Roads Gas Tax Funds: Calhoun Street, Union Street southerly, im-
proved, $30,974; Harriet Street, Howard to Folsom, improved, $10,000;
Juniper Street, Harrison to Bryant, improved, $5,000; King Street,
2nd to 3rd Streets, improved, $10,000; Eureka Street, 17th to 23rd
Streets, widened, $21,000; Coso Avenue, Aztec to Stoneman, improved,
$11,038; Maple Street, California to Sacramento, widened, $2,080; Spear
Street, Mission to Howard and Mission Street, Spear to Steuart, im-
proved, $11,000; total, $101,092.

W.P.A. Sewer Projects:

The following sewers are being installed by the Works Progress
Administration forces with sponsorship from General Tax moneys:
Oakdale Avenue, Patterson to Barneveld, $5,300; Visitacion Valley main
sewer extension, $20,000; total, $25,300.

Building Permits:

The private building industry has increased approximately 50%
over a like period of 1939. For the first eleven months of 1940 appli-
cations were filed and permits taken out covering the following:
4 Class "A" buildings, filing costs, $1,150,000; 5 Class "B" Buildings,
filing costs, $352,200; 84 Class "C" buildings, filing costs, $4,252,791;
3,917 homes, filing costs, $15,643,687; 4,167 alterations, filing costs,
$3,115,587; total of privately owned building permits, $24,514,265; this
being an increase of $7,868,835 over a like period in 1939 and an in-
crease of $23,458 in building permit fees collected.

Department of Public Health

Exposition:

With the opening for a second year of the Golden Gate International
Exposition this Department again supervised the public health at
Treasure Island. The problems were similar to the previous year.
The activities consisted of general public health supervision of eating
establishments, places of amusement, public lavatories and washrooms;
close contact with the Emergency Hospital and follow-up investiga-
tions of alleged food poisoning cases.

Sixty restaurants were operated, in addition to 106 food purveying
stands in constant use. Catering service was supervised at 83 official
functions at which over 35,000 persons were served. During the period
of operation 23,040 inspections were made of restaurants and 27,136
inspections were made of food stands. Approximately 14,000,000 meals
were served and of that number there were only 13 complaints regis-
tered on foodstuffs. Of these, eight were alleged food-poisoning out-
breaks and only three seemed to be actual cases where infection was
obtained on Treasure Island, although the sources of these outbreaks
were never definitely proved.

An outstanding feature of the service was the protection and con-
trol of the drinking water supply, especially during a large conflagra-
tion when salt water entered the drinking water mains and polluted
the supply. Prompt action by this Department during and after the
fire brought about proper correction of the supply within 24 hours
thus allowing continued operation of the entire area supplied.

During the operation of the Exposition 9,237 hamburger and frank-
furter buns were condemned; 2,441 pounds of miscellaneous foodstuffs
were condemned and destroyed. This included hamburger steak, frank-
furters and miscellaneous meats. Four hundred and five whole chickens
were condemned and destroyed, as were 90 gallons of miscellaneous
sauces.

A total of 87 samples of miscellaneous foodstuffs, including drinking
water, were submitted to the laboratory for analysis.

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Rat-trapping activities and control resulted in the destruction of a
large number of rats by means of snap traps.

In addition to the eating places on Treasure Island this Department
has been specifically attempting to improve the sterilization of dishes
and glassware in night clubs and taverns with special emphasis on
inspection during the late evening hours. Also during the past year
special attention has been paid to bakeshops manufacturing products
containing custard fillings. An executive order setting forth rules
and regulations to be followed has been issued.

An important advance in the meat inspection service is the final
passage of a poultry ordinance exercising control over the slaughtering,
sale and distribution of poultry.

Housing:

The campaign for clearance and elimination of sub-standard housing
has continued throughout the year. Since July 20, 1938 when the City
and County of San Francisco entered into contract with the San
Francisco Housing Authority this Department has succeeded, after due
process of condemnation, in having demolished 109 buildings, repaired
32 and vacated 16, a total of 1.200 dwelling units. The Department has
also surveyed the Guerrero and Cogswell project areas for the Federal
Housing Authority. Inspection of 117 sub-standard dwelling units, the
occupants of which were admitted to the Holly Court Project, were
abated.

The plumbing survey instituted in 1939 in the hotels was continued
during 1940 in hospitals and other institutions and industries where
large quantities of water are consumed. Corrections have been made
where pollution hazards or other insanitary conditions have been
found.

Mosquito Control:

Mosquito control was carried out from the standpoint of eliminating
harbors reported by individual complaint but there is still much work
to be done in the catch basins and storm drains serving in the city
streets. Flushing and oiling these catch basins would prevent the
development of mosquitoes in these locations.

Emergency Hospital:

The year 1940 witnessed the Emergency Hospital Service taking a
prominent part in the many happenings of a big city.

On New Year and Christmas days additional hospital and ambulance
service was maintained to care for accidents and other emergencies
arising during this season. A number of conventions were taken care
of with fully equipped and staffed hospitals located at convention head-
quarters. A number of second and third alarms were responded to.
Hospital and ambulance facilities were given at the Celebration for
Peace at Kezar Stadium, and at the Centenary of the Catholic Church
in San Francisco at the Municipal Auditorium. At the reopening of the
Golden Gate International Exposition additional ambulances were
maintained at Central and Harbor Hospitals. Several fires in auto-
mobiles, and one in a hearse, were extinguished by ambulance crews.

Numerous groups interested in first aid were shown the functioning
of the Emergency Hospital Service. Demonstrations of first aid and
splinting were given by our ambulance crews before war veterans and
various industrial units.

A full hospital unit was maintained at the May Day Festival in
Golden Gate Park. Approximately seventy-four thousand patients were
treated during the year. Ambulance calls numbered thirty-three
thousand.

Field Nursing:

The 82 field nurses of the Department assisted physicians with
109,965 physical examinations of school children, infants and others

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during the year and made a total of 79,552 home visits. Inspections of
institutions for the aged, children, chronically ill and convalescent
totalled 1,588.

Communicable Disease:

Until December of 1940 there was complete absence of any epidemic
with the falling off of the reported communicable diseases of almost
7,000. In December the incidence of mild influenza reached epidemic
proportions but was not serious and in no way interfered with the
normal life of the City. The increased incidence subsided almost com-
pletely by the first of the year. The birth rate and death rate continue
practically unchanged from the previous year with almost the same
number of births as deaths. The unprecedented low infant mortality
for 1939 was not quite reached in 1940.

The one cause for concern has been the presence of rabies among
the dog population. This is the first outbreak of this disease during
the past quarter century. Following a generalized outbreak in the
southern part of the State, it gradually spread northward and finally
appeared at our borders. Every effort to control the dogs has been
made under our pound ordinance. The State Department of Public
Health has placed a quarantine on our city in an effort to assist.

Venereal diseases are receiving more public attention than ever
before. Our program is constantly expanding. Our new large clinic
has been constantly increasing its service. Attendance has reached
almost 391 new patients monthly, with a total of 3,240 clinic visits
monthly. This clinic offers services to those unable to heretofore re-
ceive it as it is located in the poorer section of the city, previously
not served by clinic facilities.

The new military activities at the Presidio have already caused our
program to expand into and around the Reservation. Arrangements
are perfected to interchange facilities and information with the mili-
tary authorities. Real epidemiological work is being performed by our
nurses specializing in this work. The pre-marital and pre-natal laws
are now enforced without any friction and undoubtedly accomplish
much good.

Blood Bank:

One of the outstanding features of the year was the establishment of
a Blood Bank at the San Francisco Hospital. The original inaugura-
tion of this plan was made possible by a donation coining through the
University of California and Stanford Medical Schools. Specifically,
the Blood Bank represents a system under which human blood from
volunteer donors is tested, certified, and preserved for the preservation
of human life. Under the Blood Bank system, blood is available for
immediate use in emergency operations or other cases. Having a Blood
Bank set up to receive donations of blood deposits permits the draw-
ing of blood and the replacement of an equal amount donated by rela-
tives or friends of the patient receiving the blood transfusion. After
one year of operation, the Blood Bank is now making it possible to
give 160 blood transfusions a month, compared with the previous
monthly average of only 40. This has been directly responsible for
saving lives and saving in the duration of hospital days of many
patients, as well as in actual saving of money spent for professional
blood donors. In other words, our Blood Bank, after about one year
of operation, is paying very rich dividends in dollars and lives.

Laguna Honda Home:

Two hospital wards at the Laguna Honda Home were completed
and hospital patients housed in the old infirmary buildings were trans-
ferred to this new group. In addition to these facilities an annex con-
tains all the accessories to a modern hospital, operating suite, X-ray,
laboratories as well as various staff offices, conference room, pharmacy
and dental departments. There is now a hospital unit of 1,000 beds,

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of which 786 are now occupied, the balance being held in reserve with
the intention of opening a ward from time to time as the demand
develops. The program entailed the enlargement of the storage plant
and the remodeling and enlargement of the staff and employees' dining
room. It is now the cafeteria type and is not only proving successful
from the employee's standpoint, but it is found to mean a real saving
in food.

The Social Service Division interviewed all patients before admis-
sion to the hospital whenever possible. Through these interviews 958
patients were able to make arrangements for private care; 47 non-
residents were returned to places of their legal residence at estimated
savings of $26,000.

Publications:

The Department maintained its record established in recent years in
the number of scientific articles published. The Director of Public
Health and his associates prepared numerous articles for publication
among which was the Manual of Medical and Surgical Emergencies
which has received national recognition. The articles published were:

Year Book of Public Health— 1940.

Manual of Household Hygiene.

The Health of the Chinese in an American City — San Francisco.

The Milk Supply of Large Cities, Discussion of Methods for Safety.

Sanitary Fill Method.

Venereal Lymphogranuloma: Public Health Aspects.

Encephalitis Complicating Measles.

Outbreak of Illness Due to Commercially Prepared Minced Egg and
Olive Sandwiches Contaminated by a Probable Carrier of Hemolytic
Staphylococcus Aureas.

The Summer Camp from the Parents' Point of View.

Health Service System

During the year ending September 30, 1940, medical protection was
provided for 10,542 employees of the City and County and the Board
of Education under Plan 1 of the Health Service System. Of this
number, 7,085 had the services of a doctor one or more times during
the year. Hospital benefits were used by 970 employees for a total of
7,388 hospital days.

In addition to the employees, the system provided coverage for 5,571
dependents — 3,445 adults and 2,126 minors. There was an increase of
431 in the employee membership during the 12-month period due to
new employees entering the city service and the withdrawal of exemp-
tions by employees who had formerly provided for adequate medical
care in another manner.

The percentage of city and school employees who had the attention
of a doctor during the year to those who did not is much higher than
before the Health Service became effective. Many of them are receiving
medical attention for conditions which were formerly neglected. Others
are under-going elective operations which they had previously felt
they could not afford. In view of the high standard of medical prac-
tice in San Francisco, this probably means that our municipal and
school employees were better cared for medically than almost any other
large civilian employee group in the country. This undoubtedly makes
for maximum efficiency in the work of our employees and should
eventually be reflected in a saving to the City and County through a
decrease in time off for sick leaves with pay.

Payment to the doctors participating in the Health Service System
is made on a so-called unit basis, with $1.00 as the maximum value of
the service unit. Each service the doctor renders is evaluated in terms
of units in accordance with a schedule of fees. The average unit pay-

(55)

ment for the year ending September 30, 1940, was 78.5 cents. The
average for the preceding year was 66.3 cents. This is an average in-
crease of 12.2 cents, or 18.4 per cent over the rate of payment for the
previous year. Payment during the year varied from 67 cents for
November, 1939, to a high of 90 cents for September, 1940. Payment to
the doctors under this unit method totaled $275,555 for the year. Dur-
ing the same period hospitals received $84,802; X-ray and clinical
laboratories and other agencies of auxiliary medical care were paid
$24,074.

For all medical services, including operation of a physiotherapy di-
vision by the System itself, the Board disbursed, through the office of
the Controller, a total of $391,459.

The Health Service Board is about to put into operation a Plan
which will permit members who desire treatment by doctors of osteo-
pathy who hold physicians and surgeons licenses to obtain such treat-
ment for conditions which do not require hospitalization.

The Board is further engaged in conducting an annual review of the
general scope of the benefits of the service, rates of compensation, and
other experience of the past year. It has before it such major problems
as possible revision of the doctors' fee schedule, adjustment of the
scope of benefits for dependents — who cost considerably more than the
employee members, and extension of additional benefits to retired city
employees. At the present time retired employees are limited, as are
dependents, to one year's treatment for chronic conditions under the
Health System. Even with this restriction the retired members cost
much more than the employee members. Most employees who go on
retirement remain in the Health Service. Hence the Health Service
Board is faced with the problem of absorbing a steadily increasing
number of persons whose medical expenses exceed their rate of con-
tribution to the system.

The Health Service System has occupied rooms on the third floor
of the Civic Auditorium for the past year. Previously the organization
had occupied space in the City Hall and in a privately owned building.
Consolidation of its functions in suitable quarters has furthered ad-
ministrative efficiency and has been a factor in a proportionate reduc-
tion of administrative expense under that of the previous year.

Following a previous Supreme Court determination that the Health
Service System is a "municipal affair," the Superior Court declared in
a test case that employees of the Health Service Board are city em-
ployees and ordered their inclusion in the Retirement System begin-
ning December 1, 1940. The city's matching contribution to the Retire-
ment Fund is paid from the Health Service Fund.

Public Welfare Commission

The importance of welfare work and the urgency of our grave
responsibility to aid those in our City and County who are unable to
provide for themselves need no emphasis. The Public Welfare Com-
mission, together with the Public Welfare Department of which it is
the policy-forming and supervisory body, is charged with the major
part of that responsibility, the welfare of over 19,000 of San Francisco's
men, women, and children and the disbursement annually of between
seven and eight millon dollars of federal, state, and county funds.

The Public Welfare Department administers two distinct types of
public assistance: (1) Aid to Indigents or Unemployables, the cost
of which is borne wholly by the taxpayers of San Francisco, and (2)
aid to the three categories of needy persons eligible under the Social
Security Act to public assistance. These categories are the Needy
Aged, Needy Children, and the Needy Blind and are financed jointly
by the City and County of San Francisco, the State of California, and
the Federal Government. Approximately 25% of the funds is supplied

(56)

by the San Francisco taxpayer, 25% by the State of California, and the
remaining 50% by the Federal Government.

In addition to the above, there is provided in the budget of the
Public Welfare Department a fund for the supplementing of Aid to
Needy Children. This is financed solely out of city and county tax
funds.

During the calendar year just ended, the Public "Welfare Department
authorized the disbursement of $7,011,400, which was distributed to
the Needy Aged, the Needy Children, the Needy Blind, and the Indi-
gents. The cost of administration was $509,000, Children, the Needy
Blind, and the Indigents. The cost of administration was $509,000, or
6.8% of the grand total of $7,520,400. The following tabulated statement
shows how the money was divided among the recipients, the parts
that were provided by Federal and State subventions, and the portion
that was paid from City and County tax funds. The total cost from
City and County tax funds for the year was $3,230,100.

(57)

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(58)

The five members of the Public Welfare Commission, Mr. F. M.
McAuliffe, Chairman, Mr. Guido J. Musto, Mrs. Eugene M. Prince,
Miss Ruth A. Turner, and Mr. Edward Vandeleur, are recognized
throughout the State of California, and by Federal authorities as well,
as authorities on matters concerning relief and social welfare. I am
grateful to them for their devotion to those in San Francisco who are
unable to provide for themselves. I am also grateful to them for their
efforts to conserve public monies by granting aid only to those who
are truly needy according to the law and eligible to assistance through
the Public Welfare Department. It is the policy of the Public Welfare
Commission that every person in San Francisco who is eligible for
public assistance be given the maximum amount for which he or she
is eligible within the shortest possible time and that every ineligible
person who secures, or attempts to secure, the assistance that is pro-
vided for needy eligibles be penalized as provided by law.

Aid to Needy Aged: Over 65% of all disbursements of the Public
Welfare Department for the year just ended were for the benefit of our
Needy Aged. The greatest increase in the disbursements of the Depart-
ment has occurred in connection with these needy aged persons. In
November, 1940, 11,399 eligible aged San Franciscans received assist-
ance checks, an increase of 1,240 over November of 1939. The cost for
November, 1940, was nearly $96,000 greater than that for the same
month one year ago. The total cost of Old Age Assistance during the
calendar year just ended was over $1,100,000 greater than that for the
previous year.

Aid to Needy Children: The Public Welfare Department administers
aid to only one class of dependent children — the half-orphans whose
fathers or mothers are dead or have been declared presumptively dead
by court action. The other classes of needy children are granted aid
through the Dependency Division of the Juvenile Court. For the month
of November, 1940, aid was extended to 614 cases, representing 1,478
children. The similar figures for November, 1939, were 583 cases and
1,458 children. Although the total amount disbursed for Aid to Needy
Children during the calendar year just ended, including supplementary
Aid to Needy Children, was $13,200 in excess of that disbursed during
the preceding year, the cost from City and County tax funds for the
year 1940 was $48,500 less than that cost for the year 1939. This de-

\ crease in cost from City and County tax funds resulted from increased
Federal and State subventions; this greater financial participation by
the Federal Government and by the State of California became effec-

, tive on January 1, 1940.

Aid to Needy Blind: The number of blind persons receiving assist-
ance through the Public Welfare Department in November, 1940, was
551 as compared with 508 blind persons receiving assistance in Novem-
ber, 1939. The total amount of assistance disbursed to the blind during
1940 was $28,900 in excess of that disbursed in the previous year. How-
ever, the cost from City and County tax funds was $5,800 less than in
1939; the decrease resulted from increased Federal subventions which
became effective January 1, 1940.

Aid to Indigents: The responsibility of caring for indigent persons
is confined to those termed "Unemployables" and who have a County
residence of one year and a State residence of three years, the State

1 residence being independent of public or private assistance prior to

; application for relief. Under the Act granting aid to the indigent,
relief may be extended for only a temporary period to non-residents,
that is, persons who do not have three years' independent residence in
the State prior to application for relief. Non-residents may receive aid
according to an ordinance of the Board of Supervisors for sixty days
with the provision that ninety days may be allowed in cases of illness.
During November, 1940, 4,210 cases were assisted, of which 306 were

• non-resident. The cost of Indigent Aid for the year just ended was
$1,349,700 as compared with $1,267,000 for the previous calendar year,

(59 )

or an increase of $82,700. This increase was caused by the additional
cases on the rolls of the Public Welfare Department resulting from:
(1) further restrictions made by the State Relief Administration in its
rules of eligibility, and (2) legislation passed by the State Legislature
last Spring, which fixed upon the counties the responsibility for the
relief of all persons who were receiving Indigent Aid from the counties
on February 18, 1940 even though those persons were receiving Indi-
gent Aid as unemployables on a temporary disability basis only. This
legislation has resulted in approximately 600 employable cases remain-
ing on the rolls of the Public Welfare Department for nearly all of the
past year.

State Relief Administration: In addition to the public assistance
provided through the Public Welfare Department to the Needy Aged,
Needy Children, Needy Blind, and the Indigents or Unemployables, the
State Relief Administration, which maintains a district office in San
Francisco, administers aid to needy employable persons and their
dependents. That agency currently carries approximately 3,000 cases
on its rolls. It is the only agency of government in the City and
County that has the authority to certify persons for employment with
the Federal Work Projects Administration which currently provides
jobs for some 9,200 persons in San Francisco. The State Relief Ad-
ministration also supervises the distribution of surplus commodities
in San Francisco.

The recent increases in general employment, although having no
direct bearing upon the needy persons assisted by the Public Welfare
Department, doubtless will be reflected in the easement of the problems
of that department. I am sure that you join me in hoping that con-
tinuing reemployment will further improve the situation of all the
needy of San Francisco.

Coroner

After nearly forty years of faithful and most competent work as
Coroner, Dr. Thomas B. W. Leland, having reached the statutory age
for retirement, relinquished his duties on September 30, 1940. John F.
Kingston, M.D., qualified as his successor on October 25th.

The achievements of Dr. Leland were such as to warrant the hearty
approval of all with whom his work brought him into contact, and the
people of San Francisco, generally, were sincerely sorry to lose his dis-
tinguished services. His staff presented to the City a bronze tablet,
signalizing his long period of performance and the high standing the
Coroner's office attained under his administration. This testimonial is
permanently installed in the Coroner's office.

The period covered in the Coroner's report, January 1 to November
1, 1940, shows decreases under several important headings. Inquests
held, 2,171, were 233 below those in the same period, 1939. Motor
vehicle fatalities were 78, as against 93, the year previous. Jurors
summoned and serving, 775; autopsies performed, 1,725; pathological
examinations, 1,669 and toxicological examinations, 1,182. Suicides
numbered 154, as against 175, in the same period, 1939. Deaths from
natural causes, 1,158 as against 1,378. Burns caused 6 to die, a decrease
of 11; deaths in burning buildings, 3, as against 5 in the previous
report.

Increases in deaths by poison, 9, as against 7; carbon monoxide, 4
as to 1; chronic alcoholism, 35, as against 18; miscellaneous accidents,
65, an increase of 1.

Accidents happening outside San Francisco caused deaths here as
follows: motor vehicles, 23; accidents, miscellaneous, 9; occupational 6.
Occupational accidents in San Francisco, 30; homicides, 8; abortions, 3;
natural causes, signed from history, 375; natural causes, contributary,
excessive use of alcohol, 61; murders, 19; accidental falls, 118. a de-
crease of 13; street railways accidents, 6; on steam railroads, 1.

( 60)

Of the 78 motor vehicle fatalities recorded, 59 were pedestrians and
28 occurred at intersections. At night, 59% of these occurred. Two
more children under 15 years of age met death than in 1939. Of the
10 thus killed, 9 were by pleasure automobiles and 1 by truck.

It is good to note that in zones patrolled by school-boy traffic officers
and to school children on their way to or from our schools, no deaths
occurred during the period recorded.

It is estimated that for the full year, 1940, $912 will be received
for certification of papers. To November 1, $332.64 was received at
auction sale of effects of deceased persons and deposited in the City
Treasury.

Continued praise for the work in the post mortem, pathology, and
toxicology departments is expressed by visiting members of the medi-
cal profession, who came to San Francisco in larger numbers than
usual, due to the re-opening of the Golden Gate International Exposi-
tion from May to September, 1940.

This City is given high credit for the humane handling of the bodies
of deceased persons coming under the Coroner's jurisdiction. Also,
there is most favorable comment upon the kindly courtesy and con-
sideration rendered relatives and friends of deceased persons.

Juvenile Probation Department

During the fiscal year 1939-40, a total of 1,663 new cases passed
through the Juvenile Court, as against 1,414 for the previous fiscal
year. Of these 1.663 cases, 589 were delinquent children and 1,074 were
dependent and neglected children, as compared to 661 delinquents and
753 dependent and neglected children for the previous fiscal year. An
average of 147 delinquent children were maintained by the Juvenile
Court in boarding homes and institutions during the fiscal year, for
whom $39,301.05 was paid. An average of 2.511 dependent and neglected
children were maintained in institutions, foster homes, or in the homes
of parents or relatives, at a cost of $627,372.50. In addition, the amount
of $1,207.39 was expended for the purpose of returning minors to their
legal residences outside the county and state. This makes a total of
$667,880.94 expended by the Juvenile Court for the care and mainte-
nance of children.

Of this amount of $667,880.94 expended by the Juvenile Court, the
amount of $253,006.27 was received from the State as reimbursement
under the "State Aid Act for Needy Children"; and the sum of $66,-
434.41 was received from the Federal Government as reimbursement
under the "Social Security Act." In addition to this, the amount of
$55,348.11 was collected from parents as reimbursement for County
moneys, spent in behalf of their children, making a net total of
$293,092.15 actually expended from County funds for maintenance of
minor children through the Juvenile Court. There were 91 children
maintained in State schools at a cost of $20,380.78.

In addition to children drawing maintenance, there was an average
of 406 delinquent and 716 dependent children being supervised by the
Juvenile Court in their own homes. The total administrative cost of
the Juvenile Probation Office for the fiscal year was $88,390.72. Tem-
porary care was given to 1,693 children in the Detention Home during
the fiscal year, the total cost of operation being $41,832.34.

Agricultural Commissioner

Inspection of all winter and intrastate shipments of plants, bulbs
and seed is the responsibility of this Department. During the year
1940 the total amount of incoming nursery stock was 1,899 shipments,
1,659,008 packages, with only 34 rejections. Nurseries inspected: 72,
private homes inspected, 34. Shipments of nursery stock to other

(61)

points in the United States and foreign countries, 268, with a total of
2,432 packages.

Retail Store Inspection: 2,166 stores inspected for the condition of
fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey and eggs. Fruits, Nuts and Vegetables
Reconditioned: 522, Remarked: 210, Dumped: 80. Honey Recondi-
tioned: none, Remarked: 189 jars, Dumped: none. Eggs Reconditioned:
816 dozen, Remarked: 6,755 dozen, Dumped: 450 dozen.

Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market: Number of Inspections: 1,620.
Fruits and Vegetables Reconditioned: 17,318 packages, Remarked: 9,804
packages, Dumped: 183,790 packages and 14% tons.

There were 7,978 shipments of fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereal, garden
seed, plants and other miscellaneous commodities shipped to points in
United States and Foreign Countries, amounting to 513,608 packages.

There were 1,169 inspections of potatoes, onions, beans, rice, eggs,
butter, cheese, cereals, dried fruits, alfalfa hay, red oat hay, crushed
oats, rolled barley, bran, rice straw, corn, wheat and birdseed for City
Institutions, with only 5 rejections.

The revenues taken for export work and City Institutions together
for the year will probably amount to $9,000.00.

Purchasing Department

Total purchases for the year 1940 amounted to $5,810,021.16 as against
$5,691,736.38 for 1939— an increase of $118,284.78. The actual operating
cost of the Department was reduced both as to the average cost per
order and the ratio of total cost to total value of purchases. When
measured in terms of efficiency, this reduction confirms the fact that
your Purchasing Department is buying to the best advantage all ma-
terials and supplies needed for the conduct of the City. Obviously,
therefor, purchasing is a phase of management which requires constant
study and efficient performance.

During the year a total of 52,285 purchase orders were issued. A sum-
mary of the orders and the expenditures follows:

No. of Amt. of

Department Orders Orders

General and Miscellaneous 28,942 $2,963,375.71

Education 6,670 744,197.58

Health 5,546 782,513.65

Utilities (exclusive of Water Department) 4,777 691,468.54

Water Department 3,488 420,364.56

Works Progress Administration 2,862 208,101.12

The Purchasing Department not only does all the buying for all the
departments, commissions, boards and institutions of the City and
County as well as a limited amount of purchasing for the Works
Progress Administration, but in addition, operates repair shops for
automotive and mechanical equipment, garages, storerooms, ware-
houses and a gasoline and oil service station for municipally owned
automotive equipment. The actual operating costs of all of these units
were reduced over the previous year.

During the year many transfers of property were effected between
various departments. Items no longer required by a department were
placed with another department. All of the furnishings and equipment
of the San Francisco Building, Treasure Island, (Golden Gate Inter-
national Exposition) were salvaged and placed to good advantage with
needy departments of the City, thereby saving the cost of new pur-
chases.

The entire cost of maintaining the Purchasing Department is trifling
in comparison with the direct savings that are reflected from its per-
formance.

In line with our policy for economical government, continued efforts

( 62)

will be made to buy without prejudice, seeking to obtain the maximum,
ultimate value for every dollar of expenditure.

San Francisco-San Mateo Livestock Exposition
Buildings

The Board of Trustees of No. 1-a District Agricultural Association,
with all trustees present, at a meeting held on December 23rd, unani-
mously approved a request to the Governor and Director of Finance
of the State of California, asking for sufficient funds to sponsor the
construction of a reinforced concrete two-story cattle, sheep and swine
building, located to the east of the main Arena Building and running
parallel thereto. This building will be approximately 413 feet wide and
304 feet long.

The main Arena Building is completed with the exception of fur-
nishings, and the horse barns are completed with the exception of the
surfacing of the exercise and pedestrian areas. All of this work will be
taken care of within a few weeks.

The Board of Trustees has accepted the dates fixed by the Western
Fairs Association for the formal opening of the project from October
17th to 26th, 1941.

Naturally, in order to sponsor a well-rounded livestock show a great
deal of preparation will have to be made in advance. With this in
mind, the Board of Trustees is giving consideration to the type of
organization which can best handle all details and as soon as the
money can be secured a manager will be selected who will work under
the direction of the Board of Trustees.

All of the public bodies that have been affiliated with this project
have been very helpful, including the Work Projects Administration,
the State of California and the City and County of San Francisco.

Municipal Court

Beginning January 1st, to November 16, 1940, this is a brief record
of the activities of the Municipal Court of the City and County of
San Francisco:

In 12 Courts, 15,464 Proceedings were had, 10,704 being Civil Actions
and 4,760, Small Claims.

In the Criminal Department, 235,853 Proceedings were had, a total
of 251,317 Proceedings.

Of official and pauper actions filed, for which no fees are required,
258 were in the Civil Department and 749 in Small Claims.

Receipts of the Court, $388,502.85; expenditures, $239,280.84; excess
of receipts over expenditures, $149,222.01.

Public Defender

The Public Defender reports: Total number of cases in all courts,
1,489; total number of appearances, 3,210; indigent persons receiving
advice in civil matters, 3,062. (This service is not required by charter.
It is rendered to the residents of San Francisco who are without funds
to employ private attorneys for the reason that they feel the Public
Defender's office should advise them when they are in trouble.)

The office of Public Defender handled 617 cases in the Superior
Court. Through their advice to defendants whom they were ap-
pointed to represent it was necessary to try only 49 by juries, thereby
effecting a considerable saving to the taxpayers by eliminating un-
necessary jury trials. Seventy-eight defendants waived trials by jury
and others were disposed of in the manner thought best. The elimina-

( 63 )

tion of jury trials by the Public Defender where defendants are
obviously guilty results in considerable saving to the taxpayers.

During 1940 the office of Public Defender was conducted by the
Public Defender with the same staff, namely: two deputies and one
clerk-stenographer; and on the same budget basis as in the previous
year.

District Attorney

During 1940, this Office participated in and conducted approximately
46,000 court hearings; issued 22,000 citations; conducted 18,500 citation
hearings; was represented at all sessions of the Grand Jury during the
year, both regular and special, and collected and turned into the
City Treasurer's Office in bail money the total sum of $728,839.

Also, this Office participated in all Coroner's inquests wherein sus-
picion of crime in connection with deaths was present, attended all
meetings of the Parole Board, all meetings of the Traffic Committee on
safety matters, met with groups of merchants and organizations in-
terested in the various phases of the Unfair Practices Act and prepared
and gave instructions and lectures on the same to such groups for the
purpose of averting law violations and court prosecutions.

The total cost of conducting the office for the year was $114,060. I
am informed that this is lower than that of any other District Attor-
ney's office of comparable size in the United States.

Of the cases handled by the office of the District Attorney in 1940,
of the 46,000 court hearings, approximately 1,800 were felony cases that
reached the Superior Court, and approximately 43,500 were misde-
meanor cases disposed of in the Municipal Court; approximately 325
were crimes involving children, disposed of in the Juvenile Court.

Of the total number of approximately 22,000 citations issued, 10,500
were issued by the Bureau of Domestic Relations of this office, dealing
with failure to provide for minor children, indigent wives and aged
parents and similar domestic cases; 2,500 were issued by the Fraud
Bureau of this office, dealing with crimes of frauds, swindles and
violations of the Corporate Securities Act, misleading advertising and
various other rackets; 8,500 were issued by the "Warrant and Bond
Office dealing with miscellaneous offenses, felony and misdemeanor
alike, and with violations of City Ordinances; 500 were issued by the
deputy in charge of the Juvenile Court work, relating particularly to
sex offenses and juvenile delinquencies. Hearings on citations were
approximately as follows: Bureau of Domestic Relations, 9,500; Fraud
Bureau. 2,000; Warrant and Bond Office, 8,000; Juvenile Department,
400.

The Warrant and Bond Department, aside from the issuance of
citations as above noted, prepared 51,000 complaints, and 15,500 war-
rants were issued upon these complaints, and by telephone and per-
sonally answered over 14,000 requests for advice and information.

The Food and Health Bureau of this Office, which investigates and
prosecutes offenders under the pure food and drug act, the State
agricultural code and various City Health ordinances, handled and
disposed of more than 400 cases during the year.

Out of 216 narcotic cases disposed of during the year, 207 were con-
victions. These figures pertain to proceedings in the Superior Court.

Report of the City Attorney's Office for the
Calendar Year 1940

During the past year many important events and activities occurred
in the office of the City Attorney. In the first instance, Mr. Thomas
P. Slevin, Deputy City Attorney, in charge of litigation arising in the
Retirement Board and the Civil Service Commission, passed away.
Mr. Sylvain D. Leipsic. Assistant City Attorney, was elevated to his

(64)

position, and Mr. Reynald J. Bianchi and Mr. Norman Sanford Wolff
advanced in position accordingly. Mr. Albert F. Skelly.was selected to
fill the vacancy then existing due to the untimely death of Thomas
P. Slevin.

During the calendar year of 1940, the legal output was definitely on
the increase. This, of course, is shown not only in the number of
actions, but also in the matter of defining the scope and the powers
of the various departments of the city government.

During the year this office received three hundred and twenty-four
civil suits. Cases which actually went to trial amounted to one
hundred eighty-seven. Cases involving the McBnerney Act numbered
twenty-seven. Cases in the Appellate Divisions of the various courts
amounted to twenty-four. During this year one hundred and twenty-
eight major opinions were rendered to the various officers, boards,
commissions and departments of the city and county government.

Nuisances: This year this office was particularly active in abating
existing nuisances. This was found necessary only after it was dis-
covered that such property was not only dangerous to the immediate
surroundings but was a definite menace to the health and well-being
of the entire community. Such action was found necessary in nine
different instances, and only then because the property owners refused
to make the necessary alterations and repairs as recommended by the
Department of Public Health. As a result, many old buildings and
dwellings which have been a distinct menace to the community have
been abolished.

Eminent Domain: At the direction of the Board of Supervisors,
twenty-eight parcels of land have been condemned within the city and
county limits. In addition to this, sixty-eight parcels were condemned
for use of the Local Housing Authority. This work is done in con-
junction with the Property Department.

Board of Education: Some eleven cases are now pending in the
courts for personal injuries arising from accidents on school properties.
Seven cases have been brought by the Board of Education to have cer-
tain teachers dismissed from the local school system. Two of these
cases are now pending on appeal in the District Court of Appeal. There
are six cases now under submission in the Superior Court whereby the
Board of Education is seeking to have the local school district declared
owners of certain school properties in their name within the City and
County of San Francisco. At the present time, these cases are being
briefed. What the outcome will be is uncertain and difficult to ascer-
tain.

The City Attorney is in constant touch with the Board of Education
and is ready to advise the members of that Board at all times. Many
changes have been made in the Department of Public Education in
the past year, which necessitates cooperation between these two de-
partments. The Attorney General of the State of California has ren-
dered several drastic opinions which have changed many of the plans
and practices of the Board of Education. Such changes have given this
Department much work in preparing legislation to conform with the
general rule.

The Housing Authority: The Housing Authority was organized in
March of the year 1938. The members of this Authority are appointed
by the Mayor of San Francisco. This Commission meets weekly and
the City Attorney's office has a representative at all of the meetings.
He advises them in the name of the City Attorney as to all the legal
matters that might possibly come before the Board. This year many
eminent domain proceedings were brought in order that projects for
different housing units might be commenced. Land has been acquired
for the Holly Park Project and the Sunnydale Project, and plans are
now being laid for the acquisition of property so that units might be
constructed in Chinatown and in the North Beach section of this city.

(65 )

At this time sixty-eight parcels of property have been condemned for
the establishment of housing units in order that sub-standard dwellings
might be eliminated.

Dismissals: This year the City Attorney has seen fit to have many
actions that had not been prosecuted for the past five years and over
dismissed for lack of prosecution. This action by him is permitted
by the Code of Civil Procedure of the State of California and because
of it over one hundred suits have been dismissed from the files of this
office.

Claims: Some five hundred and twenty-seven claims for personal
injuries and property damage have been received by this office. Suits
have been commenced on some two hundred and thirty-seven of these
claims either in the Municipal Court or in the Superior Court. Many of
these claims have been settled for minor amounts, thus dispensing with
the necessity of any court adjudication. Such compromises have only
been made when it was ascertained that the City and County of San
Francisco, acting through its duly appointed agents and authorities,
was negligent in some manner or other. If there is any doubt that the
City of San Francisco was not negligent, then no settlement is ever
made. These claims are received from every department of the City.

Municipal Railway: This office has been particularly fortunate in
the litigation involving the Municipal Railway. This year the amount
paid out in actual damages arising from personal injury or property
damage amounted to some $76,000.00 and is lower than the preceding
years. This office does not claim credit for the situation, for un-
doubtedly the employees of our municipal street car system are doing
their best to operate the railroad in a most careful and prudent man-
ner.

When we consider that ninety suits received this year in which the
damages asked for amounted to $767,014.00, and the amount of pay-
ments actually made by the Municipal Railway amounted to less than
eight per cent of that amount, it is a most encouraging sign not
only that the employees of the Municipal Railway are doing their
utmost to keep accidents at a minimum, and also that the members
of the City Attorney's staff are doing their utmost before the various
courts of this city to reduce the amount of money paid for injuries.
This branch of the Public Utilities is still the leader in the amount
of litigation received by this office.

This office during the past year has been successful in collecting
many hundreds of dollars because of damage done to the equipment
of the San Francisco Fire Department. These funds are recovered by
this office and turned over to the Fire Department account.

During the year the City Attorney has represented the Retirement
Board, the Public Utilities Commission, the Board of Permit Appeals,
the City Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors, the Civil
Service Commission and the Local Housing Authority.

Rate Department: During the past year the Rate Department of this
office had one of its most active periods. Studies were made, in co-
operation with the Mayor, and representatives of the Public Utilities
Commission, of the alternative plans for the leasing of the facilities
of the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, which finally resulted in Plan E,
which was recently approved by Secretary Ickes. Studies were like-
wise made, in cooperation with the engineers of the California Rail-
road Commission, resulting in rate revisions. These hearings were
beneficial to the electric consumers of San Francisco in the sum of
$388,000.00 annually.

Similar studies and recommendations were made on gas rate re-
visions and the gas consumers of San Francisco were benefited in the
sum of $844,000.00 annually.

Constant studies have been of the facilities and rates of the Market
Street Railway Company under the seven cent fare and the substitution
of buses for trolley cars.

( 66 )

In the early part of 1940 consultations were had with the members
of the Railroad Commission and the members of the Golden Gate Inter-
national Exposition, which resulted in fare reductions to Treasure
Island. The city was successful in obtaining a reduction from twenty
cents to fifteen cents a round trip, with an estimated saving of
$165,000.00.

The members of this department attended all meetings of the Rail-
road Commission, under the authority of the City Attorney, and took
a great deal of interest in the application of the Northwestern Pacific
Railroad Company to abandon inter-urban service to Marin County.
They also were active in the application of the Pacific Greyhound Com-
pany in their endeavor to substitute service therefor.

It is important to remember that bus applications are of particular
significance to San Francisco inasmuch as they involve the use of our
streets and carry thousands of people to and from San Francisco every
day.

A complete and thorough study was made of the analysis of the
State Board of Equalization of the assessment of the public utilities
in the City and County of San Francisco.

( 67 )

Annual Message

■HHMMMHB OF ■MHBHHMHMMHni

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO THE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF THE

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Twenty-Sixth
Nineteen Forty-Two

Annual IWes«««e

OF

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO TH E

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF TH E

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Twenty-six
Nineteen Forty-two

Printed by

A. F. HEUBR

447 Sansome Street

Letter of the Mayor

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, SAN FRANCISCO

January 26, 1942.
The Honorable
The Board of Supervisors
City Hall
San Francisco

Gentlemen :

It is my duty under Section 25 of the Charter to communicate to
your honorable Board a general statement of the condition of the
affairs of the City and County, and recommend the adoption of such
measures as I may deem expedient and proper.

This year's message bears triple significance, because:

1st — On January 8th of 1941 1 concluded my tenth year as Mayor

of this great city.
2nd — On January 8th of this year we had been operating under

under our present Charter for 10 years.
3rd — On January 8th of this year we welcomed four of you gentle-
men, newly elected Supervisors, into the official family of the
City and County.
During the year just past the security of this nation and of all the
nations of the civilized world has been challenged. Our liberty and our
safety were shamefully attacked by a dastardly foe on that fateful
day at Pearl Harbor. At present nothing seems more important than the
adequate protection of the lives and properties of the people of San
Francisco.

There is, then, the problem of most immediate importance, namely,
Civilian Defense.

All necessary steps have been taken for the protection of the people
of San Francisco.

On January 4, 1941, I appointed the San Francisco Civil Defense
Council under the able chairmanship of Mr. Frederick J. Koster. Mr.
Stuart R. Ward acted as Executive Vice-Chairman. The purposes of the
Council were to prepare and submit to me a plan for the civilian defense
of San Francisco, and to cooperate with the state and national agencies
in this respect.

On February 10, 1941, I issued a Proclamation which reads as follows:

Proclamation by Angelo J. Rossi Under Date of
February 10, 1941

"Whereas, The fate of those nations whose citizens failed
to make adequate preparation against aerial bombardment and
other forms of military attack is now too well known to all, and

"Whereas, Such hazards have now, unhappily, been added
to the list of possible contingencies which may have to be
faced by the citizens of this country, and

"Whereas, It is universally recognized that the responsibility
for the military and naval and aerial defense of our people rests
exclusively in the hands of those divisions of the Federal Gov-
ernment established for that purpose, but that, as has been
found elsewhere, the proper and effective coordination of all
civilian activities by civilian leaders has been found to be of
paramount importance, and

(3)

"Whereas, I believe it to be of the utmost importance that the
citizens of the City and County of San Francisco shall in an
orderly and efficient manner prepare comprehensive and intelli-
gently coordinated civilian defense plans for our city which
shall embrace all departments of the City and County of San
Francisco, the American Red Cross, the labor organizations,
the utilities, the Boy Scouts, the American Legion, the Chamber
of Commerce, and all other citizens' groups of our city, and

"Whereas, On January 4, 1941, I appointed the citizens named
below to constitute the San Francisco Civil Defense Council
with the following general objectives:

1. To fully and frankly face, without exaggeration, present
dangers, and to educate and organize our citizenry as to the
immediate necessity of effective team-work for the protection
of life and property in the event of either military attack
or invasion or a catastrophe caused by an act of God.

2. And, to more effectively carry out the authority vested in me
under Section 25 of our City and County Charter, actively to
cooperate with and to supplement such authoritative national
and state agencies as may have been, or may be, created to
coordinate civic defense.

"Now, Therefore, I, Angelo J. Rossi, Mayor of the City and
County of San Francisco, do hereby urge all officials and citizens
of San Francisco to accord to the San Francisco Civil Defense
Council every assistance and cooperation in speedily accom-
plishing the tremendous task before them.

"Members of the San Francisco Civil Defense Council are
as follows: Mr. Frederick J. Koster, Chairman, Mr. Stuart R.
Ward, Executive Vice-Chairman, Mr. Frank N. Belgrano, Jr.,
Mr. Thomas Larke, Jr., Mr. Max P. Lilienthal, Mr. Clay Miller,
Col. Roy C. Ward, Senator Jack Shelley."

Soon thereafter the Council was enlarged to include Mr. Theodore J.
Roche, Charles R. Page, Florence M. McAuliffe, Charles R. Blyth,
Col. Allen G. Wright, Lyle Brown, Dr. Edmund Butler, John R. Cahill,
A. T. Mercier, John D. McKown, William H. Smith and Harry Ivory.

The Council applied itself immediately to extensive research so that
the civilian defense of San Francisco could be based on the hard-won
experience of other countries which had been under military attack.
Several committees were appointed, and a great number of men with
technical knowledge of the various subjects gave freely of their time
and knowledge in a fine spirit of public welfare.

On May 20, 1941, by Executive Order, the President of the United
States established the Office of Civilian Defense, and appointed Mayor
Fiorello LaGuardia as its Director. By this time the work of the San
Francisco Civil Defense Council was well under way.

On July 24, 1941, by order of Mayor LaGuardia, I was named United
States Director of Civilian Defense for San Francisco and Coordinator
for the San Francisco Metropolitan Area.

Because of his strenuous duties with the American Red Cross, Mr.
Koster felt it necessary to offer his resignation from the Defense Council.
He was succeeded by Mr. Charles R. Page, who was most capably as-
sisted by Mr. Jack H. Helms as Executive Secretary. Shortly there-
after, both Mr. Page and Mr. Helms were asked by the Federal Govern-
ment to serve in the Regional Office of Civilian Defense.

Mr. Theodore J. Roche, who had been active in the Council as Chair-
man of the Police Committee, was then appointed Chairman of the
Defense Council, and Mr. Joseph A. Murphy was requested to serve as
Executive Officer. Under the Chairmanship of Mr. Roche, the Report of
the Civil Defense Council was completed and placed in my hands on
August 18, 1941.

This report is the most comprehensive and constructive document

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ever presented to me. It is impossible for me to compliment too highly
the members of the Defense Council and the various members of the
committees. They turned out a real job.

Soon requests for copies of this Report were being received from
all parts of the Nation.

San Francisco's plan became the model for many cities throughout
the land.

Then came the problem of implementation. Under the plan the first
step was the recruiting of personnel. An enrollment day was publicized.

The Council and my office used every available means to interest our
public. We met with little response. Our people did not enroll. They
felt that "it couldn't happen here." We were alarmists!

Certain groups opposed the allocation of funds for purchasing the
necessary materials and supplies to carry out the purpose of this peace
time planning committee. In spite of this, the Council carried on. It
was operated on a skeleton basis. The actual implementation of the
plan was impossible to achieve. The public was apathetic. Only 3,600
people had enrolled, and we required over 50,000.

Then came the shameful and dastardly attack on Pearl Harbor! Over
night the complacency of peace was replaced by the hysteria of war.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, all department heads of
city government were summoned to the office of the Mayor on the
afternoon of that fateful December 7th. The members of the Civilian
Defense Council were also present.

A peace-time plan had to be placed in operation on a war-time basis.
Had we been granted more time for accomplishment under the Civilian
Defense Plan, minor difficulties and opinions would have been self-
erasing, but these are war times, these are days of emergency. Accom-
plishment had to out-run planning and out-distance wishes. In view of
these facts I, on that day, issued the following proclamation:

Proclamation by Mayor Angelo J. Rossi

"December 7, 1941.

"Whereas the Japanese Government has attacked the City of
Honolulu and adjacent military and naval bases of the United
States, and

"Whereas it is reported that submarine boats are in the Pacific
Ocean between San Francisco and the Hawaiian Islands, and

"Whereas it is necessary to take immediate steps to protect
the lives and property of the people of the City and County of
San Francisco, as well as the property of said City and County;

"Now, therefore, I, Angelo J. Rossi, Mayor of the City and
County of San Francisco, by virtue of the power and authority
vested in me by Section 25 of the Charter, do hereby declare
that a public emergency exists which involves and threatens
the lives, property and welfare of the citizens of the City and
County of San Francisco, as well as the property of said City
and County, and

"I hereby direct the San Francisco Civilian Defense Council,
in conjunction with the municipal authorities of San Francisco,
to forthwith take all steps necessary or proper to protect the
lives, property and welfare of the citizens of the City and County
of San Francisco, as well as the property of said City and
County, during the existence of the present emergency above
mentioned, and to co-operate with the municipal authorities
of the City and County of San Francisco to the end that this
purpose may be accomplished, and

"Further, by virtue of the authority vested in me by said Sec-
tion 25 of the Charter, and for the purpose of carrying out the
work of said Civilian Defense Council, and to aid said Council

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and the municipal officers of the said City and County in meet-
ing the present emergency, there shall be appointed by me one
Director of Civilian Defense, one Executive Officer and three
Assistants to the Director of Civilian Defense, and in addition
thereto, such other clerks, deputies, and assistants as in my
opinion shall be necessary to meet the present emergency, and to
assist the municipal authorities in so doing.

"I further direct that the compensation of said Director of
Civilian Defense and his Assistants and all said other employees
of said Defense Council, as well as the expenses of said Council
incurred in carrying on its work, shall be paid from the emer-
gency reserve fund as provided in Section 79 of the Charter,
or from any other funds in the Treasury of the City and County
as may be available for said purposes.

"I further dire.ct the Controller to audit and approve and
the Treasurer of said City and County to pay all demands in-
curred for any service found by me to be necessary to meet the
said present emergency.

"I hereby demand that both employer and employee forth-
with terminate their existing differences, during the present
emergency and end all disputes so that San Francisco may pre-
sent a united front and so that every citizen may work for one
end — the safety of our country.

"I appeal to all the citizens of San Francisco to remain calm
and resolute in this emergency. I again urge them to enroll
for Civilian Defense. Go to your nearest Police or Fire Station
for enrollment now. Enrollment will be received at any hour
of the day or night. Both men and women may enroll at all Fire
Stations. Police Stations are reserved for enrollment of men
only.

"Again I say — Enroll NOW!

"Given under my hand at San Francisco this 7th day of De-
cember, 1941.

"ANGELO J. ROSSI,

"Mayor."

Immediately following this declaration of emergency, the tempo of
activity in Civilian Defense was speeded up. The loyal and patriotic
citizens of San Francisco, brought to the grim realization that it was
truly an international emergency, began in increasing numbers to
offer their services. Whereas, only 3,600 had registered up to the
morning of December 7, we now have over 65,000 volunteers.

On November 24, 1941, your honorable Board passed Ordinance No.
1448 creating the San Francisco Civilian Defense Council, and appoint-
ing me the Chairman thereof. Members of the original Civil Defense
Council Planning Commission were made members of the new Civilian
Defense Council. Thus, the men who gave so graciously of their time
and energies on the Planning Commission of the original Civil Defense
Council were retained and are now constantly advising and guiding me
and the Co-Ordinator, Chief Dullea, while the plan is being placed in
full operation. These men, composing the present Advisory Committee,
are: John R. Cahill, Chairman; F. M. McAuliffe, Vice-Chairman; John
F. Shelley, Vice-Chairman; Frank N. Belgrano, Charles R. Blyth, Lyle
M. Brown, Dr. Edmund Butler, Francis Carrol, Nathan Danziger, Thomas
Larke, Jr., Robert M. Levison, Max P. Lilienthal, J. Ward Maillard, Jr.,
C. J. McDonald, John D. McKown, Clay Miller, Joseph A. Murphy,
Charles Page, Theodore J. Roche, William H. Smith, Roy C. Ward,
and Allen G. Wright.

Active in the work directing the various phases of Civilian Defense
are the men composing the Council, namely: Chairman: Honorable
Angelo J. Rossi; 1st Vice-Chairman : Honorable Theodore J. Roche;
2nd Vice-Chairman: Honorable F. M. McAuliffe; 3rd Vice-Chairman:

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Honorable John F. Shelley; Harry E. Barton, Ronald H. Born, Harold J.
Boyd, Matthew A. Brady, Chief Charles J. Brennan, Thomas A. Brooks,
Frank N. Belgrano, Jr., Charles R. Blyth, Lyle M. Brown, Philip Lee
Bush, Dr. Edmund Butler, Edward G. Cahill, John R. Cahill, Hon. Jesse
C. Colman, Chief Charles W. Dullea, Major Frank A. Flynn, Judge
Thomas Foley, Dr. J. C. Geiger, Dr. John J. Kingston, Phil Landis,
Thomas Larke, Jr., Robert M. Levison, Max P. Lilienthal, J. W. Mail-
lard, Jr., F. C. McDonald, John D. McKown, F. M. McAu'liffe, Clay
Miller, Hon. Dan C. Murphy, Joseph A. Murphy, Rev. James O'Dowd,
Hon. John J. O'Toole, Charles Page, George R. Reilly, Theodore J.
Roche, Hon. John F. Shelley, William H. Smith, Roy C. Ward, A. D.
Wilder, Chief Ralph Wiley, George E. Wilson, Russell L. Wolden,
Charles M. Wollenberg, Harry K. Wolff, Col. Allen G. Wright and
Nathan Danziger.

Within less than a week after the outbreak of hostilities the Chief
of Police had, on an emergency basis, appointed an air raid warden
for every city block in San Francisco. Thus on the occasion of our
last blackout we achieved the desired result with a minimum of time
and a maximum of efficiency. The Air Raid Warden Service has been
expanded so that we now have a trained force of 22,000 men and women
to insure complete protection of every block in the city.

Jackson D. Baker, the Chief Air Raid Warden, and Eugene T. Brod-
erick, the Assistant Chief Air Raid Warden, as well as battalion and
company air raid wardens have been doing a splendid job. Training and
assignment of air raid wardens was completed as of January 10, and
a completely trained and organized service is in operation at this very
moment.

The post air raid wardens were trained by selected men and officers
who, in turn, received their instruction from the United States Army.
The intensive three day training course conducted by the Army for
their benefit was incidentally the first course of its kind to be held
in the country and thus a recognition of the progress already made
under our Civilian Defense plan.

Training of auxiliary policemen, under the leadership of Deputy
Chief Michael Riordan, has been under way since January 10 and shortly
will be completed. The Police Department has been provided with all
the necessary blackout equipment, materials and equipment for registra-
tion and identification, and all other things necessary for the proper
operation of that department under any circumstances.

Fire protection, highly important in these days of ruthless aerial
attack is in the competent hands of Chief Engineer Charles J. Brennan '
of the San Francisco Fire Department and Assistant Chief Albert
Sullivan, the Chief's aide. Within four hours after the first word was
received of the attack on Hawaii, our Fire Department was completely
reorganized on an emergency basis. At that time they were capable
of handling without undue stress five major four-alarm conflagrations
at one time. Since then, the personnel has been augmented by the
addition of 75 firemen, six lieutenants and six captains. There is at
the present time a minimum of 12,000 auxiliary fire fighters being or-
, ganized and trained to augment our regular fire-fighting force.

Chairs, bedding, blankets, etc., have been purchased for fire houses.
Huge important reference maps have been provided. Life jackets have
been purchased for fire boat crews, a total of $3,000 has been authorized
for emergency supplies and materials" $61,000 has been provided for
the purchase of additional fire equipment recommended by the Chief
of the Department. Protective measures for all vulnerable reservoirs,
pipe lines, etc. have been taken. To implement these added forces I
have already approved the securing of 156 additional water pumping
units with necessary accessories so that every section of the city will
have greatly augmented fire protection. All the materials and equip-
ment necessary for the registration and training of auxiliary firemen
have been provided. Already thousands of the first groups of volunteers
have been trained and new thousands are being trained at this moment.

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The whole-hearted manner in which these volunteers have cooperated
should be a source of joy to every San Franciscan. These men are
being grounded in the common sense rules and practices which have
made our regular firemen so capable in preventing the destruction
of property, no matter from what source the danger comes. The Fire
Committee of the Council, the Chairman of which is Mr. Robert Levison,
has been invaluable in this regard.

Your Department of Public Health, under the leadership of Dr. J. C.
Geiger, has already organized all city facilities for caring for emer-
gency health and accident service of whatever magnitude. There has
been authorized an additional total expenditure of $48,000 to bring
this department up to full requirements and to provide emergency
first aid and dressing stations in addition to the regular emergency
hospitals. All the equipment and material necessary thereto has already
been provided. Through Mr. William V. C. Ruxton of the British Amer-
ican Ambulance Corps, we have acquired three ambulances and one
mobile food serving unit at no cost to the city.

Dr. J. C. Geiger, chief of your health service, has efficiently organized
every city facility for caring for emergency health and accident service
of whatever magnitude. There are approximately twenty-eight hos-
pitals with new, added first aid dressing stations. This is in addition
to regular emergency hospitals, of which there are six. All hospital
service in the city has been organized to take care of added emer-
gency use. Present occpancy has been increased by more than a thou-
sand beds. Side-by-side with this service is the efficient and highly or-
ganized work of the Disaster Relief Committee of the American Red
Cross, which in itself is an integral part of the San Francisco Civilian
Defense Council so ably represented by Mr. Thomas Larke, Jr., chairman
of the Disaster Relief Committee. Under Mr. Larke's direction, before
nightfall of December 7th, twelve disaster relief stations had been
set up in all parts of the city, capable of handling 10,000 emergency
cases should such a blow have befallen the city. Now twenty-seven
locations are ready with staffs, ambulances and drugs. This is truly
remarkable.

The Department of Public Works, another one of the operations com-
mittees of the Civilian Defense Council, has been fully organized and
over 200 trained key men in gas, electricity, telephone and sewer
repair have been assigned stations in twenty-two locations about the
city. All the necessary tools and equipment for emergency utility
repairs are kept in fire nouses. Demolition crews provided by organized
labor in San Francisco have been appointed and assigned to these
various stations to insure a sufficient number of skilled men being on
duty at all times.

In addition to the sirens originally purchased for air raid alarm
service, one siren for every square mile of territory is contemplated.
This means twenty-six in addition to the original eleven. Eighteen of
these have already been installed and the others have been ordered.
When this installation is completed we will have as nearly perfect an
air raid alarm system as is possible.

All emergency vehicles, under a recently adopted ordinance regu-
lating the type of vehicle allowed to operate during a blackout, have
been equipped with blackout lights.

Ample protection has been thrown about the water system and ad-
ditional pumping equipment installed where needed to insure extra
safety of supply. Protection of the vast and important Hetch Hetchy
system from O'Shaughnessy Dam to San Francisco has been created
through armed civilian deputies which until recently were augmented
by United States Army personnel.

In keeping with the original plans, a special Air Raid Shelter
Committee under Mr. John Cahill, who is also Chairman of the Advisory
Board of the San Francisco Civilian Defense Council, has, with the
assistance of competent architects and engineers who volunteered their
services, selected more than 150 buildings within the business area

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where citizens may take shelter should an air raid alarm find them
away from home.

A Blackout Precautions Committee, under the Chairmanship of Mr.
Lester Goodman, has been guiding the people of San Francisco in the
proper knowledge of what materials to use, what materials are avail-
able, and the best methods for making their homes and places of business
ready for a blackout. In the firm belief that every service, no matter
how remote the possibility of its use, should be prepared for the safety
of the people of San Francisco, we stand ready if the military authorities
so decree to move to points of greater safety within or without the
confines of the city those portions of our population which might be in
danger. This evacuation service ably headed by Mr. Max P. Lilienthal.
has prepared a workable efficient system that can be put into operation
with a minimum of time and trouble. I must repeat, however, that
this is a standby service which will not be put into operation unless
we are ordered to do so by the proper military authorities.

The focal point of all civilian defense is the communications center
in the City Hall. All our ordinary types of communications, such as
central fire alarm system, short wave radio stations and equipment,
state and local teletype, have been adequately protected. The com-
munications center in the City Hall represents the concentration of all
civilian defense activities.

On the alert signal the volunteer staff of telephonists who operate
the battery of forty telephones for the use of post, sector, and battalion
air raid wardens, immediately respond. A corps of radio patrol police
officers are directed to respond to the alarm signal also. These men man
the telephones until such time as those volunteers who may be delayed
arrive on the scene. On the alert signal all the chiefs of the operating
divisions for civilian defense also report to the communications center:
the Mayor, the Director of Civilian Defense, the Chief of Police, the
Chief of the Fire Department, the Chief Administrative Officer, the
Director of Public Health, the Director of Public Works, the Chief of
the Department of Electricity and Public Utility representatives; all
these respond so that they are in a position to receive reports coming
from the various sections of the city through the air raid wardens
and then they may order the necessary equipment and personnel to
the scene of any incident.

To go into greater detail concerning the operation of this communi-
cations system would require too much space. The work of the Central
Volunteer Office, under the leadership of Mr. Francis Carrol, has been
moving along most rapidly and at the present time classifying of all
volunteers is practically completed. Plans for transportation under
ordinary and emergency conditions have been studied by the Public
Transportation Service and much valuable information has been offered
by that service.

The morale of our citizens, the way in which we act in civic unison,
and the manner in which we fit ourselves for the task of meeting any
emergency situation, is the problem being most efficiently handled by the
Morale Service under Mr. Florence McAuliffe. All representative San
Francisco groups have been enlisted to aid in this service and they, too,
are doing a splendid job.

Public Information and Instruction Service, headed by Mr. Nathan
Danziger, a volunteer, has been functioning smoothly and efficiently
so that the people of our city may keep abreast of civilian defense
activities through the aid of the press and the radio.

In addition to the work already completed, as I have outlined it. many
others have been working unceasingly and unselfishly to carry out the
plans of the Civilian Defense Council. To mention one to the exclusion
of others would be unfair. However this phase of this report would not
be complete, and I would indeed be remiss in my duties as Mayor if
I failed to make particular mention of the splendid services rendered
by the multitude of patriotic women of San Francisco, through their
various organizations, whose devotion to the City and its civilian de-

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fense and whose unstinted and untiring efforts and cooperation have
done so much to bring the Civilian Defense of San Francisco to its
present state of excellency. All in all, we must remember that plans
mean nothing without the man-power and will to carry them out. There-
fore, at this time, I wish to pay special tribute to those loyal San
Franciscans who have volunteered for work in civilian defense. With-
out them, the plan could not operate. These other people, these thousands
of San Franciscans so willing, so full of the zeal and patriotism that
we, as Americans, know and love; these people form the backbone of
our whole civilian defense organization.

Naturally a program of this sort requires the expenditure of substan-
tial sums of money. To date we have allocated over $332,000 for Civilian
Defense purposes. Neither San Francisco nor any other of the target
cities can be expected to finance a complete defense setup.

Our finances are limited. Therefore I have appealed to the Federal
and State governments for assistance. Unless we receive money or
equipment from either or both of these sources our defense program
will not be as complete as it should be.

So, though rather lengthy, this Civilian Defense report, it seems to
me, shows that though civilian defense is something new to us, yet so
is total war: It shows that just as our Armed Forces are mobilized and
ready to protect us from a common enemy, that we stand by them as a
second line of defense, willing to help them protect us.

Traffic and Transportation

Section 25 of the Charter provides that the Mayor shall coordinate
and enforce cooperation between all departments of the City and County.
The problems of traffic and transportation come under this mandate,
because many of the departments of the City and County are involved
therein.

San Francisco, like all other progressive American cities, has a traffic
and transportation problem. Of this I am aware. I tried on many occa-
sions to start the machinery going on a solution of these problems.
But the inability of the various groups concerned to agree upon a unified
plan has nullified every previous effort of my administration to accom-
plish anything in this respect.

Each time in the past that I have made an attempt or initiated a
move looking toward the alleviation of our traffic and transportation
problems, apposition has appeared immediately from one source or
another with the result that every one of these attempts has been
blocked.

In 1939, a movement was started to employ Charles H. Purcell, to
prepare plans looking to the solution of the traffic and transit prob-
lems. The Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations, as well
as the press, actively supported this plan. After the proposed contract
with Mr. Purcell had been approved by the Board of Supervisors, and
$110,000 had been appropriated for Mr. Purcell 's salary, it became
necessary to carry litigation to the State Supreme Court in order to
determine whether the city had the right to enter into this contract.
It was not until March 1941, that the Supreme Court decided in favor
of the city.

Although Mr. Purcell had indicated his willingness to undertake this
work, and such willingness was apparent throughout the protracted
negotiations, less than a week after the decision of the Supreme Court
clearing the way for Mr. Purcell's appointment by the city, I received
a telegram from him stating that for reasons of a personal nature he
found it impossible to enter into a contract with the city of San Fran-
cisco.

Mr. Purcell's exit from the scene left us exactly where we had started
in January of 1939. Even though Mr. Purcell was unable to accept the
employment I felt that because of the preponderance of opinion through-

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out the city that Mr. Purcell was best fitted for this work, his recom-
mendation of a firm, in lieu of his own services, would be the next best
bet. It was necessary for me to be in Washington, D. C, on the Hetch
Hetchy power matter during most of May, 1941. Before I left San Fran-
cisco I communicated with Mr. Purcell asking him to make a recom-
mendation of the person or firm, which in his opinion was most quali-
fied to undertake the solution of the traffic and transportation problems
in San Francisco. On May 20, 1941, at Washington, D. C, I received
the following telegram from Mr. Purcell: "Dear Mayor: Reply to a
request through your secretary for a suggestion as to experienced traf-
fic consultants has been delayed until I could secure more information.
Have done my best to assist you but the only firm dealing with such
problems of which I have knowledge is Madigan-Hyland of New York,
who have had considerable experience in freeways and parkways. Most
of this work has been accomplished for the New York Park Commis-
sion. Robert Moses of New York is head of that commission and is fa-
miliar with the experience and responsibility of Madigan-Hyland. I
am not familiar with their experience on general traffic problems and
knowledge of streetcar traffic. Would suggest that you make an appoint-
ment with Thomas H. MacDonald, U. S. Commissioner of Public Roads,
New Willard Building, Washington, D. C, requesting his assistance,
as MacDonald has wide knowledge of city traffic problems and engineers
dealing with these problems. Kindest regards, C. H. Purcell."

Following Mr. Purcell's suggestion I got in touch with Mr. MacDonald
and discussed with him the qualifications of the firm of Madigan-Hy-
land. Mr. MacDonald gave this firm the highest recommendation. In
fact, the reputation of this firm was so high that Mr. Madigan had been
drafted by the Federal Government as a dollar-a-year man and was at
that time engaged in laying out bases in Newfoundland and the Canal
Zone. Later, in New York, I contacted Mayor La Guardia, who was en-
thusiastic in his praise of Madigan-Hyland and the work which they
have performed for New York. Later I met Mr. Madigan and discussed
with him briefly San Francisco's traffic and transportation problem.
He stated that he was not unfamiliar with San Francisco, having been
here and surveyed the Oakland-Bay Bridge for the underwriters who
purchased the Bay Bridge bonds from the R. F. C.

During our original discussion Mr. Madigan stated that because of
his connection with the Government the ethics of his profession forbade
him taking any Government contract. That being the case, he was will-
ing to undertake the solution of San Francisco's traffic problems on a
practically cost basis in order to keep his key staff men occupied. At
his own expense Mr. Madigan and his chief designer came to San Fran-
cisco and personally looked over the city and held conferences with
me, other city officials, and with civic organizations.

On July 10, 1941, Madigan-Hyland forwarded to me a proposal for
their employment as consulting engineers on the transportation prob-
lem of San Francisco. This proposal was in the form of a contract,
under which the consulting engineers agreed to "perform all the neces-
sary services provided under this contract for the following described
projects: The preparation of development studies, preliminary designs,
drawings and cost estimates for a solution of mass transportation and
vehicular traffic problems in and about the City and County of San
Francisco. It will be the aim of such solution to relieve the existing
congested conditions and to produce an ample free-flowing system which
will serve the City and County and will meet the needs of both vehicular
and mass transportation." This work was to be completed within a
year from date of beginning, but was to be extended to eighteen months,
in case that became necessary. For this work the consulting engineer
asked a fixed fee of $65,000, this fee to cover the compensation of their
principals, supervisory personnel, and their home office expense. In
addition to this fixed fee Madigan-Hyland were to be reimbursed for
the expenses of draftsmen and stenographic services required in San
Francisco, rental of offices here, and other miscellaneous office expenses
which, the firm guaranteed, would not exceed in total $35,480. This

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would make the total cost of the services of Madigan-Hyland $100,480.
This was several thousand dollars less than the salary cost of Mr.
Purcell under the contract proposed for him and supported by so many
civic organizations.

But no sooner had it become known that Madigan-Hyland had sub-
mitted a proposal to me, that a most remarkable thing happened. The
Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Association, and certain of the
press which had been so favorable toward, and had boosted so hard for,
Mr. Purcell's employment, objected just as vociferously to the employ-
ment of Madigan-Hyland as they had plugged for the employment of
Charles H. Purcell. In a letter to me, under date of August 4, 1941, the
Chamber of Commerce stated that although the Chamber previously
strongly advocated the employment of Charles H. Purcell for the pur-
pose of making studies and recommendations, similar to those now
proposed to be done by Madigan-Hyland, changed conditions which have
arisen since the Chamber's first recommendation now compel the Cham-
ber to oppose the employment of an independent consultant exclusively
for the making of recommendations in connection with traffic and
transit. I am not the only one who was confused by this changed atti-
tude on the part of the Chamber. The Committee on Traffic of the 1941
Grand Jury expressed themselves in this manner — and I quote directly
from their report: "This committee is unable to comprehend this
about-face. If it was proper and practical to employ Mr. Purcell two
years ago, why is it not proper and practical to employ some other
engineer or engineers to do the same job now?"

Some of the objection to the Madigan-Hyland proposal was on the
ground that it would interfere with, or would duplicate in part, a Master
Plan for San Francisco. There would be no such conflict or duplication.
It is estimated conservatively that a Master Plan cannot be produced
under three years by an advisory commission as provided in the Charter.
Traffic and transportation are integral parts of a Master Plan; we can-
not wait three or more years for a move toward the solution of these
two vital problems. San Francisco has been compared to New York in-
sofar as its problems of ingress and egress for a commuting population
are concerned, as well as the traffic problem within its own borders.
The firm of Madigan-Hyland has had extensive experience in and about
the City of New York and has made an enviable reputation in the work
they have done in relieving traffic congestion and in laying out trans-
portation routes and facilities. They also have been engaged by other
cities including Los Angeles.

On July 22, 1941, I appointed the following committee to review the
Madigan-Hyland proposal: Thomas A. Brooks, Chief Administrative
Officer, Chairman; Harold J. Boyd, Controller; John J. O'Toole, City
Attorney; Edward G. Cahill, Manager of Utilities; Warren Shannon,
President, Board of Supervisors; Charles W. Dullea, Chief of Police;
Mr. William P. Wobber, President, Police Commission; Lewis F. Bying-
ton, President of the Public Utilities Commission; W. W. Chapin, Pres-
ident of City Planning Commission.

This Committee has heard testimony from various interested parties,
not the least of which were members of the City Planning Commission.
The City Planning Commission definitely is on record that the employ-
ment of Madigan-Hyland would not interfere in any way with their
prosecution of the Master Plan under the recently employed Planning
Consultant, Mr. Ernest P. Goodrich of New York. After investigating
this matter thoroughly, this Committee recently went on record in favor
of recommending to the Board of Supervisors that the Mayor be author-
ized to negotiate a contract with the firm of Madigan-Hyland for the
solution of the mass transportation and vehicular traffic problems in
and about the City and County of San Francisco. This contract would
be submitted first to the above-mentioned committee and, if approved
by them, it would be submitted to your honorable Board for final ap-
proval.

Under Section 25 of the Charter, I recommend this employment.
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I must reiterate that prior to my trip to Washington I did not know
Mr. Madigan or any person in his organization; they were recommended
to me first by Charles H. Purcell and subsequently by Mr. MacDonald
of the Bureau of Roads in Washington, D. C, and also by Mayor La
Guardia of New York. While in New York I spent over three hours in
company with our Manager of Utilities, driving over the various projects
successfully completed by Madigan-Hyland, such as the Belt Parkways
System, the Henry Hudson Parkway, the Marine Parkway, Westside
Improvement, and other projects, the details of which are in my office
and may be inspected by any interested party. By the employment of
this firm, San Francisco immediately would have the benefit of all the
preliminary survey and studies, as well as the matured experience of
this firm. It seems to me that it is only good business to take advantage
of such experience, especially when that experience, although gained
at the expense of other cities, applies so directly to the problems con-
fronting San Francisco.

I wish to call attention again to the fact that the contract proposed
by Madigan-Hyland provides for the preparation of development studies,
preliminary designs, drawings and cost estimates ; this is very important
because when the defense program is over, it is anticipated that the
Federal Government will embark upon a broad program of public
works. Therefore, even though all of the recommendations of Madigan-
Hyland may not have been possible of execution before the end of the
defense program, nevertheless San Francisco will have the drawings
and cost estimates and all plans up to date and ready to submit to the
Federal Works Agency, which already has organized the Public Work
Reserve, to "avert the inevitable shock at the conclusion of the emer-
gency program due to rearmament."

There are other aspects of the traffic and transportation problem
which I mention now, as evidence that my administration has not been
guilty of indifference in this regard. I refer to the problem of unifi-
cation of the two street railway systems. It has been realized that
better service to the public could be accomplished through such unifi-
cation, which would permit a more effective routing and comprehensive
transfer privilege. In 1938, the Manager of Utilities was directed to
negotiate with the private company for the acquisition of their property.
He succeeded in obtaining an offer to sell for the sum of $12,500,000
free of debt. Additional sums needed for rehabilitation and changes
brought the total capital requirements up to $24,480,000. A bond propo-
sition to cover this was voted on in September, 1938 and was de-
cisively defeated.

In 1936, two years earlier still, the Public Utilities Commission sub-
mitted a Rapid Transit Plan with subways on Market, Mission, and
Geary Streets. After much public debate, a bond proposition to finance
the plan was placed on the ballot in November of 1937 and it, too, was
decisively defeated. As a result of the action of the voters, San Fran-
cisco street car patrons are deprived of the advantages of universal
transfer and a majority of those patrons are forced to pay seven cents
per ride instead of the five cent fare on the Municipal Railway.

In concluding my comments upon the traffic and transportation mess
in San Francisco, I cannot but leave this thought with those who con-
sistently wrangle and quarrel with those ideas advanced by anyone but
themselves — and I quote from Butler's effusion as follows: "Those who
play a game of state and only cavil in debate, although there's nothing
lost or won, the public business is undone; which still the longer 'tis in
doing, becomes the surer way to ruin."

Industrial Problems

In my message to your honorable Board last year I made reference
to the Bay area's participation in a gigantic National Defense move-
ment. It would be superfluous for me to give a detailed report concern-
ing the tremendous increase in industrial activity resulting in increased

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payroll, as a result of the defense movement. All San Franciscans are
keenly aware of this. However, I cannot allow this opportunity to pass
without referring to the relationships between employer and employee.
As Chief Executive of this City and County, it is my sworn duty to see
that our laws are enforced. As Chief Executive I consider it to be my
duty also to intercede with both employer and employee in an effort
to bring the parties together when they have arrived at an apparent
impasse. This has been my policy during my entire administration as
Mayor of San Francisco. On many occasions after negotiations had
been broken off, I have appealed to the parties concerned. They have
met in my office and often, as a result of such meetings, their problems
have been solved.

I wish to state most definitely that I, as Mayor, can neither force
the employee to work, nor can I force the employer to accept a Union
proposal. As I am the Mayor of all the people of San Francisco, I can-
not in good faith favor one side or the other in a controversy. In this
time of grave emergency, I know that conservative labor leaders are
genuinely trying to keep the machinery of industry turning without
interruption. I know that the employers of San Francisco have recog-
nized the principles of collective bargaining. Yet, I here and now re-
iterate a statement made by me in the Proclamation issued December
7, 1941:

"I hereby demand that both employer and employee forthwith termi-
nate their existing differences, during the present emergency and end
all disputes so that San Francisco may present a united front and so
that every citizen may work for the one end — the safety of our country."

I know that many efforts have been made to do this, but, as yet, not
all of these efforts have been successful. Once again, I urge that these
differences be settled immediately. This would be the greatest patriotic
service these groups could render at this time.

Harbor Control

In previous years' messages I have discussed the matter of Harbor
Control at some length. A sincere effort has been made and I shall
continue to work with our legislators and authorities from other parts
of the State to secure for San Francisco the same privileges enjoyed
by the rest of California; namely, the right to control and administer
our own harbor. San Francisco's front door could, and should be,
our greatest asset.

Hospitality House

Hospitality House, operated by the San Francisco Citizens' Hospitality
Committee for Service Men, was opened on August 9, with a huge
celebration held in the Civic Auditorium. Fourteen stars of the movie
colony traveled to San Francisco to assist the committee in the opening.
The Hospitality House idea first was formulated by the Central Council
of Civic Clubs, in a resolution introduced at the Board of Supervisors
in November, 1940, known as Resolution No. 1455. The Resolution was
passed by the Board unanimously and I was asked to select a citizens'
committee known as the San Francisco Citizens' Hospitality Committee
for Service Men. This committee is made up of representatives of all
the major organizations of San Francisco — civic, religious, veteran and
fraternal groups making up a cross-section of San Francisco citizens.
It was recognized by all authorities that the civilian population adjacent
to large Army and Navy stations would have many problems on their
hands in taking care of the men in service of the United States while
on their leaves. From the citizens' committee was selected an Executive
Committee, headed by Dr. Howard M. McKinley, consisting of sixty-five
members; this committee met every two weeks, with special sub-com-
mittees meeting almost daily. Dodge A. Reidy, City Architect, drew up
the plans for the building in the Civic Center, and an allotment of

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$22,000 was given for material. The San Francisco Building and Con-
struction Trades Council was most generous in providing the labor
necessary for constructing the building without a cent of cost to the
city. This was a patriotic gesture on the part of Organized Labor which
the people of San Francisco will never forget.

Military and Naval authorities, governmental agencies and leaders of
United Service Organizations were consulted, with the idea in mind
always of "Protecting and Bolstering the Morale of our Home Front."
Dr. McKinley has since gone into the service of the Twelfth Naval
District, and Mr. Claudius A. Marckley, prominent Veteran leader,
has been selected as General Chairman.

The opening of the House was the "Go" signal for the Service men to
swarm into the building, and over 200,000 men have visited the Hos-
pitality House, using the facilities and enjoying the hospitality. The
house is open daily from twelve noon to twelve midnight. Citizens
are allowed to visit from 1 : 00 to 3 : 00 P. M. The house is provided with
reading and writing room, a well-equipped kitchen with canteen adjoin-
ing, and a large lounge for dancing. Up to date, 141 women's organi-
zations have taken part in the activities at Hospitality House, furnishing
refreshments, entertainment and dancing partners for the men.

The information desk, operated by three trained employees with
staggered hours from 11:00 A. M., till 12:00 midnight, furnishes in-
formation of all kinds. Writing material is furnished, special events
are listed each day, and many citizens call for groups of men for dinners
and entertainment or rides about the city.

During Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year's Holiday Season
over 5,000 dinner invitations were extended to service men by citizens
who registered their invitations at the Hospitality House. Many letters
have been received by the secretary thanking Hospitality House for the
fine young men who were able to visit the private homes of the city.

Each man who visits the Hospitality House is asked to register and
give the name of his closest relative. Shortly thereafter I sign a letter
to this relative stating that the people of San Francisco had the
pleasure of entertaining the young man. The thousands of letters of
appreciation I have received from mothers and fathers residing in every
section of the country are real testimony for the job we are doing.

The 49-mile automobile drive was instituted under the chairmanship
of William L. Hughson, and thousands of San Franciscans have fur-
nished their cars for sight-seeing about the city on Sundays from 1 to 5.

During the year, fourteen large dances were held at Aquatic Park
Casino every first and third Wednesday of the month. Dancing partners
were provided by the women's organizations of the city. From 1500 to
2000 men attended the dances. Since Aquatic Park Casino is now
occupied by Army personnel, the dances will be held at the Veterans
Building, War Memorial. Young ladies are invited and chaperoned by
the women's groups, who also take part in hostessing at the Hospitality
House.

We San Franciscans have once again proven to the nation that ours
is truly a city with a heart, the city of hospitality.

Ten- Year Review

Although the major interest during the past few weeks has been the
perfection of civilian defense, nonetheless the normal functions of
government have and must continue.

In view of this fact, I deem it advisable to comment briefly on the
story that has been San Francisco for the ten years just past. I believe
that such an audit of our affairs will prove valuable in our discussions
relative to the future of this city. I feel sure that these comments will
be of interest to the members of the Board, as well as the public at
large.

When I assumed the responsibilities of the office of Mayor of San

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Francisco, on January 8, 1931, the full force of the world-wide depression
of the '30s was just beginning to be felt. The Federal, State and local
governments were not then prepared to cope with the problem of unem-
ployment relief. The fiscal year 1931-32 was the first year in which the
City and County of San Francisco expended any large amount of funds
for the direct relief of the unemployed. Funds provided during this first
fiscal year of my administration for relief purposes were made up of an
appropriation of city funds of $700,000, voluntary contributions by city
employees in the amount of $321,935 and the proceeds of a bond issue
amounting to $2,500,000. Relief to the unemployed was administered
during this period through the medium of existing private welfare
agencies, whose activties generally involved no cost to the city govern-
ment for administration. Upon the entrance of the Federal Government
into the relief picture in 1933, Federal funds thereafter were granted to
the State, and through the State to cities and counties upon the condition
however, that such funds must be disbursed by the local government
and not by private agencies. This led to a Charter Amendment which
was adopted by the people in March of 1937, under which all public
assistance administered by the City and County of San Francisco was
consolidated in the present Public Welfare Department. This depart-
ment then took over the administration of all public relief activities
in San Francisco, including indigents theretofore handled by many
private relief agencies.

During the period under review, there were many liberalizations in
the various public assistance laws in California and of the Federal
subvention laws. All these liberalizations have resulted in increased
taxes to the people. In addition, San Francisco was forced to appro-
priate over $747,000 for the fiscal year 1941-42 to take care of the em-
ployable unemployed, which up to June 30, 1941 had been the responsi-
bility of the State, but which was forced upon the counties beginning
July 1, 1941 by the failure of the State to provide funds for this purpose.

As an example of the tremendous increase in the cost of humanitarian
activities over ten years, the following table is presented:

1931-32 1940-41
Total expended for charities, hospitals and

corrections $4,255,588 $12,805,412

Less State and Federal subventions 412,500 4,946,300

Net cost to San Francisco taxpayers $3,843,088 $ 7,859,112

The above shows a substantial increase in cost to the taxpayers of San
Francisco in this one activity alone.

The sudden advent of such enormous expenditures resulted in many
vexing financial problems. Rather than completely disjoint the local
economy, recourse was had in 1932-33 to another bond issue of $6,500,000
for relief purposes. Also, the city borrowed from the State a total of
$1,466,552 in 1933-34 and $550,709 in 1934-35 for relief purposes. This
illustrates the lengths to which the city went in meeting its relief
problems.

We must conclude, therefore, that San Francisco performed its duty
toward "those less fortunate than ourselves" even during the darkest
days of the depression.

Despite the depression and the many problems resulting therefrom,
there has been a steady march forward during the past ten years,
which have seen many noteworthy accomplishments.

Golden Gate International Exposition

In 1939 and in 1940, San Francisco was host to the world at the Golden
Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island. This spectacle is
still so fresh in the minds of all of us that a recounting of those happy
months is unnecessary at this time. But the memory of the happy

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months of this Exposition undoubtedly will linger longer in our minds
because of the grim business of war in which we are now occupied.

The site for the Exposition was granted to San Francisco by the State
in 1933 on condition that the land be used for the establishment of a
municipal airport. Because of the intention ultimately to use Treasure
Island as an airport, it was possible to obtain a P. W. A. grant for the
construction of the permanent buildings, consisting of the airport
terminal building and two hangars. The Navy has leased the Island
and under terms of the lease agreement is sponsoring a W. P. A. project
for the construction of runways for the City's second municipal airport.

Turning to matters concerning the City and County administration
exclusively, we find that we can recount many accomplishments during
the past ten years. There is time now to speak only briefly of a few
outstanding examples of progress, and those departments specifically
mentioned hereafter are not the only ones worthy of comment. Many
city departments have continued throughout the years to do a good job
unobtrusively and without fanfare, and to them I extend my apprecia-
tion. I wish to say that if they do not hear their names in this message
it is not because their good work has not been noted, but solely because
the lack of time will not allow the enumeration of the progress made
by every department of the City and County government.

Board of Supervisors

When the new Charter took effect, January 8, 1932, it involved many
changes. The number of supervisors was reduced to eleven and the
function of the Board itself was changed from a combined legislative
and administrative body to an exclusively legislative body. This in turn
delegated additional administrative duties to the Mayor. Much im-
portant legislation was passed by the Board during the past ten years.
For example: All the enabling legislation concerned with the various
W. P. A. and P. W. A. projects, legislation required to accomplish the
completion of Hetch Hetchy, completion of the War Memorial, the build-
ing and extension of San Francisco Municipal Airport, and all other
public improvements requiring action by the Board. Through the
splendid cooperation of the Board, the administration has been able to
make the enviable record which it has in the face of depression and
hardship.

Assessor

The Assessor's office has a fine record of accomplishments during
the past ten years, during which a complete modernization of office
procedure and the substitution of tabulating machinery in place of
long-hand work has enabled a decrease in the operating budget, despite
the fact that 25,000 additional parcels of land and 20,000 new buildings
have been added to the assessment roll for valuation during these ten
years.

Police Department

The Police Department has progressed with the times. A central
"Ring-In" bureau has been installed in the Northern Station; the depart-
ment radio, teletype, and telephone exchanges in the Hall of Justice
were consolidated, and a tabulating division of I. B. M. equipment was
installed in the Hall of Justice in a room specially constructed therefor;
the fifth floor of the Hall of Justice was remodeled to include a new
"show-up" room, which is one of the finest in the United States; a
commodious filing room and a modern chemical laboratory and photo-
graph gallery also were constructed in the Hall of Justice.

In 1938 and 1939, the Accident Prevention Bureau was organized as a
separate unit of the Police Department's Traffic Bureau, whose duty
it is to cover all traffic accidents occurring in the City and County,
and to make such detailed reports on them as to enable the necessary

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traffic engineering and steps to be taken to keep traffic accidents at a
minimum within the city. Traffic fatalities during 1940-41 totaled 97
as compared with 115 in 1931-32, a reduction of 18. As an example of
the increase in the activity of the Police Department, fires attended in-
creased 4,557; the number of injured and sick persons taken to hospitals
increased 1,192; there were 349 more lost children cared for in 1940-41
than in 1931-32 and 141,912 more teletype, telegraphic and radio mes-
sages were handled than in 1931-32. There were 1,920 fewer automobiles
reported stolen in 1940-41 than in 1931-32. The value of property re-
ported stolen in 1931-32 was $572,356 and in 1940-41 was $333,595 a de-
crease of $236,961.

Fire Department

The record of the Fire Department is well known and its efficiency
is traditional. In order to keep the department up to high operating
efficiency, new equipment totalling $833,000 has been provided during the
past ten years. Three new fire houses have been built and the 1941-42
budget provides for two additional. Under the 1933 bond issue there
were installed 30.6 miles of high-pressure pipe, 373 high-pressure hy-
drants, 21 street cisterns and 3 manifolds. Fire protection was furnished
during both years at the Golden Gate International Exposition. This
at an additional cost to the taxpayers of $441,106.

Park Department

The Park Department has been one of the large recipients of the
benefits of W. P. A. projects. During the past ten years the Board of
Park Commissioners sponsored W. P. A. projects to the extent of $800,000
for sponsor's cost. The Federal Government contributed $9,500,000 for
these projects. Outstanding developments during the ten years in the
parks include the following: Renewed Zoological Gardens, comprising
sixty acres, which is one of the most modern and up to date zoos in the
United States. The Aquatic Park Recreation Center, located at the foot
of Van Ness Avenue. This houses a fine Marine Museum sponsored by
Mrs. Alma Spreckels Awl and other public spirited citizens. Here are
exhibited models of ships from the square rigger to the luxury liner
of today. Aquatic Park provides meeting rooms and a spacious hall
for various recerational activities, where many thousands of service
men have been entertained. Bleachers seating 8,000 spectators were
constructed on the polo field in the Golden Gate Park Stadium. New
club houses were constructed at the Harding Park and Lincoln Park
golf courses. Improvements aggregating nearly $100,000 have been
made to the Yacht Harbor in the Marina during the past ten years, fur-
nishing facilities to berth approximately 100 additional boats which
theretofor had been forced by lack of space to berth away from San
Francisco.

The city has also contracted to pay $406,601 for the purchase of land
to extend the Yacht Harbor to the Army Transport Docks.

During the past year $25,000 was expended for the modernization of
Kezar Stadium. Other improvements include the reconstruction and re-
surfacing of the South Drive in the Park, the construction of equestrian
paths, resurfacing tennis courts, development of district recreational
areas, the development of a large recreation field near the Beach Chalet
and the construction of new fairways at Sharp's Park.

The Park Department budget estimate for 1941-42 included additional
improvements in the amount of $53,210. Recognizing the necessity for
conservation of funds for national defense purposes, the department
at the request of the Mayor, has postponed these improvements until
the end of the national emergency.

During this period the employees of the Park Department were
brought under Civil Service.

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Recreation Department

The Recreation Department shows a steady growth over ten years,
with an increase from 31 to 52 supervised playgrounds, and an increase
from 19 to 30 supervised yearly schoolyards, and an increase from 0 to
34 supervised summer schoolyards. Supervised gymnasia have increased
from 7 to 14. The staff has grown from 256 to 408, and the attendance
at all recreation units and special programs has increased from 4,286,820
to 6,357,008.

The 1941-42 budget includes funds for the following improvements:
Playground Unit at Longfellow;

Night lighting and rehabilitation of Folsom Playground;
Lighting of Bernal Playground;
Night lighting at North Beach Playground;
Drainage at St. Mary's Playground;

Fence and tennis court at Visitacion Valley Playground;
Sand-boxes, benches, and back-stops at various other playgrounds
throughout the city.
As with the Park Department, the Recreation Commission has agreed
to postpone some of the less urgent of these improvements until after
the present emergency.

Library

With respect to the Library, five new branches have been added
during the past ten years: Anza, Visitacion Valley, Parkside, West
Portal and Bernal. The Library has built up an extensive and up to
date collection of technical books in such fields as aviation, ship-
building, chemistry, etc. on which there is now a heavy call because
of the large number of persons interested in national defense activities.

In excess of $538,000 has been provided the library since 1931-32
for new books and for rebinding. There are on hand over 532,000 books,
not counting the Phelan and Kuhl collections, and thousands of
unbound pamphlets.

During this period the employees of the Library Department were
brought under Civil Service. This leaves only two departments of
the city which are not under Civil Service — the De Young Museum
and the Palace of the Legion of Honor.

War Memorial and Opera House

The War Memorial and Opera House were completed during the
past ten years and represents a total investment of $6,250,000. The
Opera House was opened on October 15, 1932 and the Veterans'
Building, housing the various veterans, was opened on February 1,
1933. The Art Museum on the fourth floor of the Veterans' Building
was opened on January 18, 1935. This structure has housed and
encouraged the continued existence of the San Francisco Opera Associa-
tion. It is difficult to measure the publicity San Francisco has received
by reason of the world-wide circulation of the Opera Association's
announcements of attractions.

Department of Public Works

When the new Charter took effect, January 8, 1932, the Municipal
Railway, the Hetch-Hetchy project, the Water Department, Lighting
of Public Buildings and Streets, and Municipal Airport, were trans-
ferred from the Board of Public Works and placed under the Public
Utilities Commission which was created under the new Charter. The
stores, yards and repair shops were removed from the Board of Works
and placed under the supervision of the Purchaser of Supplies. The
Bureau of Accounting, formerly under the supervision of the Superin-
tendent of Accounts, was abolished and the duties performed by this

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Bureau were transferred to the Purchaser of Supplies and to the
Controller.

The telephone exchange, formerly under the Board of Supervisors,
was transferred to the Board of Public Works. Since the adoption of
the New Charter, additional responsibilities have devolved upon the
Department of Public Works in the administration of the gas tax funds
from the State. San Francisco has received approximately $4,138,000
from gas tax funds for the construction and maintenance of State
highways within the county. Out of these moneys, the following major
jobs have been completed:

Nineteenth Ave. — Sloat Blvd. to Lincoln Way

Richardson Ave.

Sloat Blvd. — 39th to 44th Ave. and Skyline connection

Presidio Parkway

Pell and Polk Streets

Alemany Blvd. — Bayshore to Mission

Funston Avenue Approach

In addition to these completed jobs, the following major projects
are now under way:

Nineteenth Ave. — Sloat Blvd. to Junipero Serra Blvd. — signals and
channelization

Lombard St. — Van Ness Ave. to Richardson

19th Ave. and Park-Presidio Blvd. — Lighting and traffic signals

Out of the second quarter cent gas tax, San Francisco has received
a total of $3,832,553 for the reconstruction and maintenance of major
streets within each county. Out of these funds the following major
jobs have been completed:

Army — Harrison to Potrero Avenue

Folsom — Embarcadero to Tenth Street

Franklin — Market to Bay — Relieving traffic on Van Ness Ave.

Golden Gate Avenue — Market to Masonic Avenue

Eighth Street— Market to Townsend

California — Fillmore to Arguello

Ocean Avenue — Nineteenth Ave. to Alemany

Seventh Ave. — Laguna Honda from Lincoln to Plaza

Geneva Ave. — Mission to Bayshore Blvd.

Third Street — Mission to Channel

Third Street — Mariposa to Twenty-third Street.

Third Street— Custer to Bayshore Blvd.

Market Street — Valencia to Tenth Street

Polk Street — Market to Post

Ninth Street — Market to Division

Post Street — Market to Presidio Avenue

Columbus Avenue — Montgomery to Bay Street

Fulton Street — Franklin to Masonic Avenue

Fell Street — Market to Stanyan Street

Divisadero Street — Waller to Clay Street

Eleventh Street — Market to Division

Great Highway — Lincoln to Sloat

Howard Street — Embarcadero to Army Street (under way)

Sixth Street — Market to Townsend

Fifth Street — Mission to Townsend

Moneys are available now for the following street work, some of
which is under way:

Visitacion Ave. through McLaren Park — Surfacing

Visitacion Ave. — Hahn to Schwerin — Paving

Sunnydale Ave. — Hahn to Schwerin

Oakdale Ave. — Bayshore to Selby — Widening

Howard St. and Van Ness Ave. South — Track removal

Monterey Blvd. — Plymouth — St. Elmo — Widening

Market Street, Castro to Noe and Church to Duboce — Resurfacing

36th and 37th Avenues at Sunset Blvd. — Paving

Montara Street, 24th to 26th Avenues — Paving

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24th Avenue, Ortega to Quintara — Paving-
Market Street, 2nd to 10th Streets — Concrete gutters
During the ten years under review 8.6 miles of reenforced concrete
sewers have been constructed. The Richmond-Sunset Sewage Disposal
Plant in Golden Gate Park, complete with connecting sewer tunnel,
has been constructed. Two sewage pumping stations, one in the Marina
District and one in the Sea Cliff District have been constructed.

The 1941-42 budget funds for the following sewer reconstruction
program :

Portion of Great Highway System
Portion of Church and Market Street System
Portion of Ingleside District System
Portion of Church and 27th Streets System

It is evident to all that a city-wide sewer reconstruction program
from a single allocation would not be feasible. The people of our
city, because of district prejudices, have voted down bond issues for
this purpose. Therefore, the city government has adopted the policy
of appropriating a substantial sum of money in each budget to provide
as much sewer reconstruction as is financially possible.

Department of Public Health

In the Department of Public Health new facilities provided since
1931-32 include the Health Center Building at 101 Grove Street.

At the Laguna Honda Home, a complete hospital unit of 900 beds,
with all accessories including extensive X-ray equipment, has been
provided.

At Hassler Health Home, new buildings and hospital wards increas-
ing the bed capacity from 100 to 300 for adults and the addition of a
new 50 bed capacity ward for children have been established. Modern-
ization of the entire Hassler plant, including installation of a new
X-ray laboratory and new dining rooms, has been accomplished. Land
for this institution was purchased in 1924 — 30.6 acres at a cost of
$27,250.

At San Francisco Hospital, a new Maternity Building of 230 bed
capacity has been constructed and there have been completed a new
building for psychopathic patients, modernization of the hospital, a
new laundry addition, a new diet laboratory, dining rooms for the
staff enlarged and remodeled, a new record room, new pharmacy,
new garage building, and much-needed replacements in the old
tuberculosis wing. Land for expansion of the San Francisco Hospital
was obtained in 1931 by purchase of the St. Catherine's Home property,
Potrero Avenue and 22nd Street, at a cost of $325,000.

Emergency hospitals have been modernized and have been equipped
with shock-bed warmers and resuscitators, and radios have been
installed in each hospital and ambulance.

The Alemany Emergency Hospital has been completed and opened.

A Blood Bank has been established at San Francisco Hospital,
increasing the number of blood transfusions from 40 to 170 per month.

Three generalized Health Center districts have been established.

A control system of frequent and regular laboratory analyses of
drinking water, swimming pools and water on beaches has been
inaugurated.

The tuberculosis control program has been greatly enlarged, in-
cluding additional hospital beds, a chest clinic, and a case-finding
service.

A program for the prevention of venereal diseases was enlarged
and extended with the establishment of new diagnostic and treatment
centers.

The expanding services of the Health Department has carried with
it an increase in the cost of running all institutions. The number of

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employes in the Department of Public Health increased from 1.200 in
1931-32 to 1,650 in 1941-42, or an increase of 450.

A more accurate bookkeeping system has been installed in the
department, with the result that the State subsidy for tuberculosis
patients has increased from $48,000 in 1931-32 to $91,000 for 1941-42.
Income to the department from inspectional services, permits, etc.
increased from about $140,000 in 1931-32 to over $280,000 for the
present fiscal year or more than 100%.

Board of Education

The 1941-42 budget of the School Department is $12,399,000 as com-
pared with the 1931-32 budget of $9,876,255 or an increase of $2,522,800.
Approximately $14,000,000 have been expended during the past ten
years by the School Department for 22 new schools or additions and
for the construction of several units of the new Junior College. The
new buildings and their locations are as follows:

S. F. Junior College at Balboa Park $1,477,311

Samuel Gompers Trade School, 22nd and Bartlett Sts 455,907

Sunshine School for Crippled Children was combined

with the Yerba Buena Health School in one building

at 25th and Florida Streets 301,409

Abraham Lincoln High School, Parkside District 578,319

George Washington High School, Park-Presidio area 2,159,318

Lowell High School, Boys' Gymnasium, Hayes Street and

Masonic Avenue 125,713

Aptos Jr. High School, Aptos Ave. and Upland Drive 856,519

James Denman Jr. High School, in the outer Mission

District, Otsego and Delano Avenues 850,176

James Lick Jr. High School, Noe and 25th Streets .' 633,288

Horace Mann Jr. High School, Cafeteria and Gymnasium,

23rd and Bartlett Streets 139,260

Portola Jr. High School Auditorium addition 73,753

Marina Jr. High School, Fillmore and Bay Streets 870,590

Glen Park Elementary School 323,075

Francis Scott Key Elementary School, 43rd Ave. and

Kirkham Street 339,057

Lawton Elementary School, 31st Ave. nr. Lawton St 306,342

Patrick Henry Elementary School Addition, 18th and

Vermont 105,485

Visitacion Valley Elementary School, Visitacion Ave. and

Schwerin Street 279,798

Girls' High School Gymnasium, Scott and Geary Sts 275,100

Mission High School, Athletic Field 59,664

Polytechnic High School, Girls' Gymnasium 129,077

Daniel Webster School Auditorium, Missouri & Texas Sts. 46,197
West Portal Elementary School Auditorium Addition,

Taraval between Claremont Blvd. and Lenox Way 137,477

Total Cost $10,781,836

Equipment for these buildings cost $2,056,212 and in addition, $1,000,-
000 has been spent in earthquake proofing of existing buildings. The
annual cost of operating the new schools which were non-existent ten
years ago is stated by the school department at $1,394,594. State sub-
ventions to the San Francisco School District are estimated at $4,635,-
325 for the fiscal year 1941-42 as compared with approximately $2,000,000
for 1931-32. This increase resulted from the Stewart-Riley legislation
in 1933 and 1935 which transferred some of the school costs, previously
borne by the counties, to the State.

The depression years also brought relief problems to the schools.
In order to safeguard the nutrition of children from low-income
families and thereby prevent the development of deficiency diseases,
free milk is given such children at the schools. During the 1940-41
school year, 636,734 free service of milk was given. In addition,

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735,508 servings were given at city cost. The annual cost of providing
this free milk is about $30,000.

During 1940-41 the schools served 283,480 free lunches.

Juvenile Court

During the past ten years additional services have been added to
the program of the Juvenile Court. In 1933 the Juvenile Court assumed
the obligation of investigating applications for the adoption of a child
by a step-parent, reporting to the Superior Court and recommending
for or against such adoption. About 1935 the Juvenile Court offered
its services to the Superior Court judges in investigating any case
where a divorce was pending in order to give the judge the benefit of
an impartial report and recommendation as to the custody of the
children. This work is now required by law under the Court of
Conciliation Act. At the last regular session of the State Legislature,
a State law was passed requiring the probation officers to make an
investigation of all applications for guardianship. In order to properly
house these expanding services there was adopted in the 1941-42 budget
a sum of $67,500 for the purpose of building the court room annex,
making alterations to the present Detention Home building and estab-
lishing living quarters for the boys and the staff at the Log Cabin Ranch
and School in San Mateo County. This latter activity — the Boys' Ranch
School — is an outgrowth of an experiment first conducted with funds
furnished by the Rosenberg Foundation, enabling the Juvenile Court
to embark upon a program of rehabilitation of boys assigned to Court
care. Under this program the boys are sent to the Ranch School and
are trained in farming and other pursuits, allowing them the benefits
of fresh air, regular hours, and creative work. The original experiment
conducted at Gualala in Mendocino County was so successful that
upon the exhaustion of the Rosenberg Foundation funds, the City
and County of San Francisco took over the operating cost of this
venture and transferred the school from Mendocino County to a more
readily accessible spot at La Honda in San Mateo County.

Juvenile Delinquency

On February 3, 1941 the arrest of a group of youthful offenders
served to focus sharply the attention of the community on the ever
present problem of juvenile delinquency. Recognizing the public
interest which then existed, and conscious of the favorable opportunity
thus presented to secure helpful action, I recommended to the Board
of Supervisors the retention of the National Probation Association to
survey the Juvenile Court. I also called a meeting of leaders in the
field of child welfare, asked the Coordinating Council of the City and
County to advise with me, and requested the Community Chest of
San Francisco to make a community survey of the juvenile delinquency
situation and make recommendations for future action.

A report of a survey of the Juvenile Court by Mr. Francis H. Hiller,
Field Expert of the National Probation Association, was submitted in
August, 1941. This report contained twenty-two principal recommenda-
tions, each one of which has. either been put into full force and effect
or is now in the process of accomplishment. Some of those in effect are:

1. The Juvenile Court has been re-organized and is now the
Children's Court, assuming the responsibility of any legal prob-
lem pertaining to children.

2. With the appointment of the Honorable Thomas M. Foley, a
full-time Judge presides over the work of the Children's Court.

3. I approved an appropriation of $67,000.00 for the purpose of
erecting a suitable courtroom to house the expanded program,
and this courtroom is now being built, also the remodeling of
the present building, allowing for additional and more adequate
office space (this work is also under construction), also the

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moving from Gualala to La Honda of the Log Cabin Ranch
School for delinquent boys, and the construction of needed
buildings to house and expand the program. Plans for construc-
tion are now being developed by the Board of Public Works.
In addition, in cooperation with the Municipal Conference Committee.
I recommended an appropriation of $9,855.00 out of the Emergency
Reserve Fund to provide four additional Probation Officers, two General
Clerk-Stenographers, and one Janitor, together with necessary equip-
ment. Three of these Probation Officers have been added to the Boy
Division and one to work with neglected children. The additional
stenographers and janitor are also now employed.

When the Community Chest's report was submitted, I immediately
forwarded copies thereof to all the agencies of the City Government
which would be concerned with putting into effect the twelve recom-
mendations submitted, and asked each department to give me an
estimate of the annual cost of putting these recommendations fully into
effect. As an immediate result of the work of this Committee, there
has been a strong revival of interest in juvenile delinquency problems
in both the public and private agencies working in the children's field.
Several recommendations made by the Committee are now in effect,
others are being energetically pursued. Outstanding has been the
setting up of the School Counciling Program, including two child
welfare clinics with social, psychological and psychiatric services.

I do not intend to fall into the common error of subordinating every
consideration to war activities because I know that anyone inclined
toward criminal activities has those inclinations heightened in war
periods. The potential juvenile delinquent of today will be either the
criminal or good citizen of tomorrow, depending upon whether proper
influences are exerted upon him during the formative years.

Public Utilities Commission

The Public Utilities Commission was created by the new Charter to
administer the publicly owned utilities in San Francisco. These are:
Municipal Airport, Municipal Railway, Water Department, and Hetch
Hetchy Water Supply and Power Project. The Lighting of Public
Streets and Buildings also is under the Public Utilities Commission.
The Manager of Utilities, under the direction of the Public Utilities
Commission, has performed his work ably and well over the past ten
years, as evidenced by the record of the various utilities discussed
below.

Municipal Airport

During the past ten years there have been two bond issues approved
by the people to finance extensions and improvements of the Airport.
One bond issue was approved in 1933 for $260,000. The other was
approved in 1937 for $2,850,000. In addition, land has been purchased
for the Airport through the medium of taxes totalling $993,000; this
sum and the amounts spent through Bond Funds were supplemented
from time to time by Federal contributions under P.W.A. and W.P.A.
projects.

In 1931-32, Airport property amounted to 220 acres, which has been
increased to 2,245 acres as of the present date. Since 1931-32 a 555
acre tract of land adjoining the Airport on the west has been acquired
and is available as a site for aircraft industries. In 1931-32 the landing
area of the Airport was 160 acres, which has been increased through
reclamation projects to 329 acres at present; in addition, 232 acres
more are being made ready for use which will bring the total landing
area to 561 acres or three and one-half times the figure of a decade
ago.

In 1931-32 the prevailing wind runway was only 1,900 feet long. This
has been increased to 6,000 feet today. There have been added, since
1931-32, two additional runways, 4,500 feet and 5,500 feet in length.

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A practice landing strip 3,000 feet in length has heen added, and all
runways have been paved. The width of all runways has been in-
creased from 150 feet to 200 feet and there have been added shoulders
of 75 foot width on each side of the runway. In the past ten years
the entire apron area comprising 339,000 square feet has been paved.
The parking area comprising 184,000 square feet also has been paved.
Drainage facilities have been improved. A channel, 1,000 feet wide
and 10 feet deep, has been dredged out to deep water, which has pro-
vided a combined land and sea-plane terminal — one of the world's
finest sea-plane harbors.

Under the supervision of the Civil Aeronautics Administration, a
radio range station has recently been installed at the airport and has
been in operation since September. This newly-perfected "blind landing
beam" will permit landings and take-offs under conditions of low
ceilings and poor visibility that in former years would have forced
aircraft to land elsewhere. San Francisco Airport is being used a
great deal more because of this device.

Referring back to the 555 acres held for future aircraft industry
expansion, it should be noted that the State Highway Commission pro-
poses to widen the Bayshore Highway intersecting this property and
the San Francisco Airport proper. This would permanently freeze
development of passenger station facilities and all incidental structures
within its present limits. This City has proposed that the highway
fronting on the airport be re-routed a short distance to the West so that
ready access might be had to the airport from the industrial area and
at the same time make provision for the vast expansion of terminal
facilities an airport of this class will have to provide for post-war
aviation activities. Negotiations looking to this end are now under
way. In view of the military importance of the airport, it is hoped
that Federal Highway funds may be obtained to finance the extra cost
of the proposed re-routing.

Municipal Railway

During the ten years from 1931-32 to date, the Municipal Railway has
instituted one new trolley bus line, a round trip distance of seven
miles. It has put in nine motor bus lines totaling 41.47 miles round
trip. It has purchased 22 motor coaches at a cost of $200,000 and has
purchased nine trolley coaches at a cost of $116,000.

Five modern streamlined cars have been purchased at a cost of
$111,000.

Construction projects include terminal facilities and electric wiring
for the Howard Street trolley bus line, the Bay Bridge Terminal, and
a storage yard.

In addition, funds have been provided for a modern motor bus
garage. The Municipal Railway has replaced 8.17 single track miles
of track, including reconstruction of the B line from Sutter and
Market Streets to Tenth Avenue and Geary Boulevard, reconstruction
of Union Street between Franklin and Steiner Streets, and replacement
of approximately two miles of single track in the Twin Peaks Tunnel.

Funds have been provided for eliminating two tracks on Market
Street between Valencia and Castro Streets, and the replacement of
the inner tracks. Funds for extensions and improvements are limited
to profits earned by the railway.

Passengers carried on the Municipal Railway System increased
from 80,123,238 in 1931-32 to 108.822.011 in 1941, an increase of 28,698.-
773 or 35.81%.

The Municipal Railway has been self-sustaining from a five cent
fare throughout all the ten years with the exception of the first year,
1931-32. It is estimated that the retention of the five cent fare by the
Municipal Railway in comparison with the average of S^c fare
throughout the country has saved the patrons of the Municipal
Railway approximately $50,000,000 during the period of city operation.

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While on the subject of the Municipal Railway, I must repeat my
belief in the necessity for a unified streetcar system with universal
transfer privileges and the same rate of fare to all streetcar patrons.
Although past efforts toward unification of the two streetcar systems
have failed, I still have hopes that before too long this will be
accomplished. Once accomplished, it is my belief that the reaction
of the public will be amazement that they had not earlier seen the
wisdom of such a move.

Water Department

During the ten year period prior to June 30, 1941. the Water Depart-
ment made available the sum of $29,000,000. From this amount
$12,531,594 of Water Department Bonds have been redeemed; $10,103,-
291 has been used to pay interest and redemption on Hetch Hetchy
bonds; $3,110,605 has been paid to the Hetch Hetchy system for water
furnished; and $3,511,833 was used for additions and betterments.

In addition, $12,095,000 of 1933 Water Distribution Bonds and
$2,350,000 in Federal P.W.A. grants have been spent for transmission
and distribution facilities to meet the expanding needs of all sections
of the City. These monies provided 273 miles of new mains and 23,491
new service connections. Bight valves were installed throughout the
system, localizing the shut-down area resulting from damage to the
mains.

Three new reservoirs have been constructed with an aggregate
capacity of 185,000,000 gallons. This more than doubled the water
storage capacity within the city limits. We now have an average of
five days' water supply in the city reservoirs alone, with a system
supply of water sufficient for two years, even without further
replenishment.

A total of 55 miles of 36 inch to 60 inch pipe lines were laid to
transport water to the Peninsula reservoirs and from there into the
city.

A second Bay crossing pipe line and a pipe line connecting the
Calaveras Reservoir with the Hetch Hetchy aqueduct have been
installed. This more than doubled the water supply to Peninsula
reservoirs. These pipe lines provide a gravity flow into Crystal Springs
reservoir which has eliminated about $150,000 per year pumping costs
at Ravenswood and Belmont.

A new 60 inch pipe line was installed from Crystal Springs reservoir
to the University Mound distribution reservoir.

A 36 inch diameter pipe line, approximately 5% miles in length, was
installed to supply the city of Palo Alto and other communities south
of Redwood City.

The Water Purification Division has been expanded to where it can
maintain adequate field and laboratory control over the sanitary and
potable qualities of the water supply. A laboratory has been equipped
and staffed, which has maintained a rigid control over the sanitary
qualities of the water. All plants at which the department's mains
are cross-connected to any other source of water supply are thoroughly
safeguarded. This constant vigilance over the purity of our public
water supply has been rewarded by not having been responsible for a
single case of water-borne disease.

In 1931 there were 107,000 consumers as compared with 124,000
in 1941.

Water consumption is now at an average rate of nearly 70,000,000
gallons per day as compared with an average of less than 53,000,000
gallons per day in 1931. The completion of the Hetch Hetchy aqueduct
reduced the operating expenses of the Water Department by $487,000
each year by eliminating the necessity for purchasing water from the
East Bay Muncipal Utility District.

A series of rate reductions made between 1932 and 1938 have
affected reductions equivalent to:

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75% from fire sprinkler services

10% on all other service charges (general reduction)

10% on usage of the first 33,300 cu. ft. per month

17% on usage on the next 300.000 cu. ft. per month

54% on usage of all over 333,300 cu. ft. per month

These rate reductions are now saving water consumers in excess of
$1,100,000 per year and a total of approximately $7,000,000 for the
past nine years.

I have gone on record as advocating another reduction in water
rates. Reduction in bonded indebtedness and a succession of economies
in operation of the San Francisco Water Department, together with
increased revenues, have resulted in a $390,000 profit over and above
budget estimates for the first six months of this fiscal year.

The Public Utilities Commission, in consultation with me, just
before the outbreak of hostilities, took cognizance of this trend toward
increased revenue and reached an understanding that any surplus
over budget expectations would be used to reduce the cost of water
to consumers.

What the next six months will bring forth in the way of new risks
and new operating and defense costs because of war conditions is
unpredictable, but it is obvious that a continuation of the present
trend, except as affected by war contingencies, would make water
available to consumers at reduced rates.

Hetch Hetchy Water and Power Project

On October 28, 1934 a dream of years was realized for San Francisco.
For the first time water from the Hetch Hetchy reseiwoir in Yosemite
National Park flowed into the Crystal Springs Lake of the San Fran-
cisco Water Department. Back of this brief statement were years of
unremitting efforts and of brilliant engineering feats.

Begun in 1915, construction costs up to June 30, 1931 totaled
$78,914,045. Construction during the ten year period to June 30, 1941,
less retirements, amounted to $26,721,225, making a total investment
in the project, as of June 30, 1941, of $105,635,270.

Ten years ago, nearly eighty miles of aqueduct remained to be
completed to bring Tuolumne River water to San Francisco. To
complete this job required the building of the San Joaquin Valley
pipe line, 471/7 miles long, averaging five feet in diameter and designed
for a flow capacity of 60,000,000 gallons daily; and the building of
three short pipe lines of 2y2 miles total length, with diameters from
5 to 9y2 feet; and the completion of the Coast Range tunnels.

I cannot let the opportunity pass to pay tribute to the city engineers
and the workers who performed the difficult task of driving the Coast
Range tunnels. It is well known that the Coast Range country is
difficult for underground work because of its geology. Some investi-
gators had declared the tunnel project practically impossible. But the
city engineers and workers did it, despite the difficulties of swelling
ground, underground water under high pressure, inflammable gas.
occasional poisonous gas, and a variation in substance penetrated
from hard granite and hard sandstone through all stages to quicksand.
Heavy timbering was the rule and sometimes this was crushed and
had to be replaced before the ground was brought under control.
In a great deal of the work it was necessary to construct the concrete
lining immediately behind the miners driving the bore ahead. The
result, however, justifies all the effort that went into the work. We
now have 28.7 miles of tunnel, 10y2 feet in diameter, capable of carry-
ing enough water for 2,500,000 people.

The fact that the Coast Range Tunnel work was done by the City's
own construction force saved the city $1,696,523, the difference between
the actual cost of $5,319,606 and the lowest private bid of $7,016,129.

In 1933 O'Shaughnessy Dam was increased in height 85.5 feet above
the original height of 226.5 feet above the stream bed. The construc-

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tion cost was financed by a bond issue of $3,500,000 authorized in 1933
and a Federal W.P.A. grant' of $1,058,000. This increase in height
naturally increased the reservoir's storage and increased the revenue
to the City from the power generated at Moccasin Creek Power Plant.

Prior to the increase in the height of O'Shaughnessy Dam, the highest
annual revenue from Hetch Hetchy Power was $2,290,000. This revenue
is now over $2,400,000 per year. Contributing to this increase was
another change that augmented prior production — an arrangement at
Early Intake Power House which made possible re-use of the water at
Moccasin Power House after discharge from the former plant.

Compliance with the power disposal provisions of the Raker Act has
been the subject of continuous controversy. Lacking a distribution
outlet, the city in 1925 entered into an agreement with the Pacific
Gas and Electric Company to distribute Hetch Hetchy Power in San
Francisco. In 1937 the Federal Government went to court to enjoin
the delivery of Hetch Hetchy Power to the company under the 1925
agreement. This injunction was granted by the District Court, later
reversed by the Circuit Court, but upon appeal to the United States
Supreme Court was confirmed in a decision rendered in April 22, 1940
affirming the injunction of the District Court. The city administration
has made every effort to avoid loss of the power revenue and was
successful in obtaining extensions of time and staying the injunction
until the final date of July 1, 1942. An attempt to lease the San Fran-
cisco distribution system failed to gain Federal approval, and in
November of 1941 the voters rejected a proposal to issue $66,500,000
of revenue bonds for the purchase of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's
distribution system in San Francisco. Amendment of the Raker Act
was submitted to both Houses of Congress in June, 1939, but has not
been acted upon. As these lines are written, San Francisco representa-
tives— including two members of the Board of Supervisors — are in
Washington, D. C, attempting to have the Raker Act amended.

Other Departments

As stated in the beginning of this message, there is not time to
devote attention to each City Department. A good job has been done
by all of them and this is just as worthy a commendation as those
departments to whom space has been given in the foregoing. Those
departments not specifically mentioned are as follows:

City Attorney

District Attorney

Sheriff

Public Defender

Board of Permit Appeals

Art Museum

Art Commission

Aquarium

Municipal Court

Superior Court

Law Library

Adult Probation Department

Chief Administrative Officer

Director of Finance and Records

Tax Collector

Registrar

Recorder

County Clerk

Public Administrator

Purchaser

Real Estate Department

Auditorium

Department of Electricity

Coroner

Horticultural Inspector

Weights and Measures
Controller
City Planning
Civil Service
Retirement System
Coordinating Council

General Statistics

When I made known to the Controller, earlier in this year, my
desire to submit a ten-year review to the people of San Francisco,
he immediately set his accounting staff to the task of preparing a
statistical review for the past ten years. All of this material is
valuable and interesting, but only the most important parts can be
touched upon now. All this material is contained in the annual report
of the Controller for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1941, which report
is available to interested people.

During the ten years, land, buildings, structures,' and equipment
therefor, to a total value of $53,200,000 have been added to the physical
properties of the City and County.

Of this amount, $33,995,000 came from bonds, including the P.W.A.
grants; $3,163,000 came from bequests and trust funds; and $16,042,000
came from the current funds of the city, including the cost to the
city and county of W.P.A. projects but excluding Federal expenditures
on W.P.A. projects.

The tax rate of 1931-32 was $4.04 per $100 of assessed valuation,
which increased to $4,396 for the current year, 1941-42. This increase
is due primarily to the tremendous increase in costs to the city and
county for charities, hospitals and correction. Ten cents of this
increase is due entirely to the failure of the State Legislature at the
last regular session to appropriate any funds for the State Relief
Administration, thus forcing the City and County of San Francisco
to take over the burden of relief for the employable unemployed. But
even with this increase, San Francisco still has the lowest tax rate
and the lowest tax delinquency rate of any large city in the United
States. Tax delinquency in San Francisco, even at the depth of the
depression, exceeded 5% of the levy only once — for the fiscal year
1932-33. Each year since that time, without fail, there has been a
reducticn in the amount of tax delinquency at the end of each fiscal
year until at the end of the fiscal year 1940-41 the amount of tax
delinquency was only 1.04% of the levy, a record which is the envy
of all cities in the United States. I like to think that this remarkable
record indicates not only the willingness and ability of San Francisco
taxpayers to pay their tax bills promptly each year, but it also reflects,
to some extent, at least, the soundness of my administration.

I wish to touch briefly here upon what I consider an injustice to
the taxpayers of San Francisco. I refer to the taxes collected in San
Francisco by the State, as compared with the amounts returned by the
State to San Francisco in the form of subventions and shared taxes.
Using the latest figures available, the State collects about $33,000,000
per year from the citizens of San Francisco through the sales, gasoline,
liquor, income, and other taxes, and from motor vehicle license taxes
and registration fees. In comparison, San Francisco expects to receive
only about $12,000,000 during 1941-42 from the State in the form of
various subventions and shared taxes. This includes State Aid for
schools, pensions, County Road Fund, tubercular patients and fire
boats, and a share of liquor licenses. The present method of allocation
of State funds to counties throughout the State results in discrimina-
tion against a few counties, which includes San Francisco. There
should be a more equitable apportionment of these funds, which would
relieve the real property taxpayers of San Francisco, who now carry
an unequal share of the costs of governmental activities.

What the next few years hold for San Francisco nobody can tell.
I hope and pray that none of the provisions which we have made for

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Civilian Defense ever will be required to be tested, as a result of
enemy attack. However, I am confident that if such attacks should
come, San Francisco will show again the spirit which enabled the
city to rise Phoenix-like from the ashes of the 1906 fire.

That the need for Civilian Defense will mean continuing additional"
expense to the city so long as the war lasts, no one can deny. In the
interest of strictest economy I have informed all departments under
my jurisdiction, and the Chief Administrative Officer has informed
all departments under his jurisdiction, that no new positions, new
services, or extension of services or equipment will be allowed in the
1942-43 budget unless it can be shown clearly that such extensions or
additions are absolutely necesssary for the proper functioning of
muncipal government.

Although considerable sums have already been spent to purchase
the necessary equipment for adequate civil defense for the population
of San Francisco, all efforts have been extended to purchase the type
and kind of equipment which not only will be adequate in case of
attack, but which also eventually will become useful to the city in the
normal course of operation. And while some expenditures of necessity
are of a type that will have no use in peace time, such as the air raid
sirens, I think no one will begrudge the money expended for these items.

I wish to assure everyone that I will do all in my power to keep
these extraordinary expenditures to the lowest possible figure during
the period of the emergency.

Finally, gentlemen, the future of our nation is at stake. "We must
make every sacrifice to win the war.

To do this, complete cooperation among all public officials is ab-
solutely essential. This cooperation I ask and as Mayor this cooperation
I demand. Partisan politics, petty political differences, individual
aspirations — all these must be cast aside in the interest of the security
of our country.

If we fail to do this, we will be derelict in our duties. If we fail
to do this, we will be unworthy of being public officials.

Gentlemen, the people of San Francisco expect and are entitled
to this from us.

Gentlemen, the people of San Francisco have always arisen to every
occasion.

Gentlemen, will we, public officials, be found wanting in this instance?

Sincerely yours,

Mayor.

( 30 )

Mayor's Annual Message

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, SAN FRANCISCO

January 26, 1942.
The Honorable
The Board of Supervisors
City and County of San Francisco
San Francisco.

Gentlemen:

I am sending to your Honorable Board a statement of the affairs of
the City and County of San Francisco, as provided in Section 25 of the
Charter.

Sincerely,

ANGELO J. ROSSI,

Mayor.

Controller

The report of Controller Harold J. Boyd for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1941, found the City and County of San Francisco in splendid
condition, financially, to meet war emergency demands.

Operations continued on a strictly cash basis. Revenues exceeding
expenses raised the current surplus. Bonded indebtedness was reduced
and tax delinquency receded to 1.04%.

An emergency reserve of $281,700 on June 30, last, is shown by the
report. In addition, there was $3,257,592 in the cash reserve fund which
can be used, if necessary, to meet war emergency needs. The cash
reserve fund was set up under the city and county's charter to equalize
accrued and cash positions between semi-annual tax collections.
Funded debt also could be increased $77,482,400 without exceeding
charter limits.

General city and county revenues amounted to $52,707,382 for the
last fiscal year, and expenses, including general bond redemptions, were
$52,134,695, leaving $572,686 to be added to current surplus. This
increased the current surplus account to $6,432,464 on last June 30,
against $5,859,778 a year earlier. The largest single rise in expenses
was shown for charities, hospitals and corrections, which includes aid
to the needy blind and aged. Total for this group of expenditures was
$12,805,412, against $11,643,004. This increase was partly offset by
increased subventions and state and federal grants in aid.

Taxes levied for the fiscal year totaled $35,162,785, of which all except
$367,339 was collected before the end of the fiscal year. This resulted
in a tax delinquency figure of only 1.04%, against 1.19% in the 1940
fiscal year and 1.32% in the 1939 period. Tax delinquency figures have
been declining steadily since 1933 and have been under 2% each year
since 1936. The fiscal provisions of the Charter are a safeguard against
fiscal disorder. The reports of the certified public accountants indicate
clearly that the Controller of the City and County of San Francisco
is enforcing the Charter mandates with respect to the fiscal affairs of
the City and County.

Coordinating Council

For its third year as a municipal agency, the Coordinating Council
reports widespread interest in the welfare of our children, brought
about the occurrence of a few serious cases of juvenile delinquency.
Agencies and departments have reexamined their programs and policies

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and realize even more strongly that cooperation is essential in the field
of child welfare.

During this year searching studies have been made of the whole
community program, beginning with the Community Chest Special
Study Committee on Juvenile Delinquency. The Council concurred
heartily with the recommendations made by this special Committee
and volunteered to supervise the work suggested under Recommenda-
tions XI, "Coordination for Continuing Service," as it is really an
extension of our program in setting up working relationships between
agencies and departments and bringing up for correction, gaps in the
structure.

A great deal has been done in cooperation with the new counseling
and guidance program, including meetings at all district councils with
the counselors, to give them an opportunity to meet the workers from
departments and agencies on whom they may call for assistance in
child guidance. The Council has also sponsored meetings of agency
directors and the School Department to work out a plan for referral of
cases from the counselors to others in the community, as well as giving
them an opportunity for consultation service on problem cases. It is
recognized the counselors can do a good job only if they have the
hearty cooperation of everyone in the community and the Council has
made all its resources available to this end.

Consultation service has been extended to neighboring communities
interested in setting up coordinating councils and it will be interesting
to watch developments in Burlingame, Walnut Creek, Yuba, San Diego,
and Sutter, to see how the Council experiment in working together
solidifies and builds up community services.

One outgrowth of the keen interest in the work of the San Francisco
Council has been the publication of various material, including one
prepared on the Social Organizations in Chinatown, which are little
understood and play a vital part in the life of the community. Another
was the listing of all community facilities including parks, play-
grounds, schools, libraries, social agencies, churches, civic organiza-
tions, etc., by council districts so our members would be familiar with
their resources and able to utilize them fully. This has been dis-
tributed widely in the city to the social agencies, as well as to the
school counselors. Because of the long summer vacation this year,
special leaflets and pamphlets were distributed to the children telling
them about the interesting things they could do in the city during the
summer.

The Council has cooperated actively in a neighborhood experiment
designed to weld the people living in the district into a cooperative
group, ascertaining their own needs and working together to meet
them. As a result of this interest, evening meetings and activities
are being held in the schools, club activities for adolescents have been
instituted, weekly dances are held, and a leadership training course
is planned.

The establishment of a day camp for the children of our city con-
tinues to be a Council project, which the demonstration this summer
by the Recreation Department at Glen Park proves to be a much-
needed, valuable adjunct to our child welfare program.

A great deal of work was done educating the community to the
dangers in proposed state legislation governing activities of minors
in street trades, and the measures were defeated.

The Secretary served on the Tenant Selection Advisory Committee of
the Housing Authority, on the Boards of Directors of the Motion Pic-
ture Research Council, Goodwill Industries, Hill Haven, and the
Children's Agency, and on various Community Chest Councils, as well
as on the Chest Budget Study Committee for Child Welfare Agencies.

It is essential in the midst of our vital defense efforts that we do
not lose sight of one of our most important duties — care, training, and

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protection of our children, particularly as we have just set up this
year new counseling and court services which should be given full
opportunity to prove their value. Coordinating Council members met.
many times. They know their problems and responsibilities, and will
continue working together for the youth of San Francisco.

The Golden Gate Bridge

From the date of its opening, May 27, 1937, until December 1, 1941,
vehicles passing over the Bridge numbered 19,476,349 ; passengers, in
buses 7,983,675; pedestrians, 496,269.

The average daily number of vehicles over this period was 11,750
and the average daily revenue $5,636.97. Total revenue during the
entire period, $9,343,283. Commute tickets issued, 3,230,372. The aver-
age toll per vehicle, amounted to $0,472.

The fiscal year 1940-41, terminating June 30th, last, witnessed 4,764,-
758 vehicles crossing the Bridge, producing operating revenue of
$2,282,213.58.

Defense Preparations

The Bridge District has cooperated fully with State and Federal
authorities in preparations for defense. A total of $67,500 of United
States Savings Bonds (being the maximum amount available to a
purchaser in one calendar year) was purchased in 1941, and a like
amount will be purchased in January, 1942. Funds for the purchase
of these bonds were taken from the Reserve Interest Fund. Other
funds of the District cannot legally be invested. Steps to remove the
legal obstruction by legislative act have been considered.

Over the past two and one-half years numerous steps have been
taken to safeguard the Bridge and its approaches from damage by
sabotage or other enemy action. Army, Navy and Coast Guard officer?
have cooperated by suggesting, at District invitation, points at which
improved protection can be provided.

The California State Guard very promptly posted guards at the
Bridge following commencement of Japanese hostilities. Everything
possible has been done to safeguard this important crossing, and from
various remarks made by military authorities, the Bridge is invulner-
able to attack as long as air supremacy in this locality is retained.

It should be realized that a bomb falling on the deck of the Bridge
could, at most, stop traffic for only a few hours, and could not in any
way affect the strength of the structure. Also, it should be realized
that a simultaneous direct hit by four torpedoes on the fender around
the San Francisco pier of the Bridge would scarcely do more than
dislodge the barnacles. (The concrete pier and fender, at the base, is
as large as a football field — 150' x 300'.) Under such circumstances,
too much concern need not be felt over the ability of American armed
forces to protect the Bridge against disabling damage.

Highways and Approaches

During November 1941 the State Highway Department completed
the construction of the elevated roadway through San Rafael, thus
eliminating a very serious traffic bottleneck. There was also completed
during 1941 the four-lane northerly and southerly approaches to Peta-
luma. These improvements will greatly facilitate the flow of summer-
time traffic between San Francisco and the Russian River and other
Redwood Empire vacation resorts. The flow of vital military traffic
will likewise be expedited.

Further improvements are needed to eliminate two-lane highways
between Ignacio and Santa Rosa and beyond, and to improve highways
easterly to connect with the American Canyon Road to Sacramento
and valley points.

( 33 )

Every possible effort was made during the year to promote the con-
struction of an approach road through the town of Sausalito which
would provide a low-level lateral between Waldo Point and the Bridge.
The District expended approximately $400,000 on that part of this
route extending one and a half miles from the Bridge to the city limits
of Sausalito. There is a four-lane highway from Waldo Point to the
northerly limits of Sausalito. But the narrow, crooked streets within
the town prevent the use of the route by trucks and buses to avoid
the two miles of six per cent grade on the Waldo (main) approach.
At the end of the fiscal year, efforts were being directed towards obtain-
ing the allocation to this project of Federal funds being appropriated
for defense roads. This route is a vital link in highways connecting
numerous Army, Air Force and Navy posts in the Bay area, and a
large volume of strictly military traffic would be using it at present if
it were completed.

Progress on the project of obtaining and clearing the right-of-way
for the widening of Lombard Street in San Francisco has been made
by the City and County of San Francisco, although actual work on
the roadway had not commenced at the end of the year. In the mean-
time, rather serious traffic congestion has developed on Bay Street,
east of Van Ness Avenue. While this congestion may be relieved some-
what when Lombard Street is widened, there still will be a serious
need for a direct route between the vicinity of Lombard and Van Ness
and the area served by Columbus Avenue. A tunnel through Russian
Hill has been mentioned frequently in connection with, the problem
at this point. Lombard Street is required to accommodate nearly all
traffic of the Marina District, the Presidio and the Bridge, and accord-
ingly, a more direct connection with the downtown district is vitally
needed.

The Directors of the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District report
that the first five months of the fiscal year, 1941-42 saw a continued
increase in volume of traffic. Total vehicles in this period were
2,472,157, compared with 2,165,480 in the same five months of 1940.
Total revenue was $1,125,859, compared with $1,053,755 in the earlier
period. Non-revenue Government vehicles increased to 281,593 from
144,451, and to a total of 1,158,843 since the opening of the Bridge
May 27, 1937. The current rate of Government toll-free vehicles, in-
cluding private travel of Army and Navy personnel, active and retired,
and their dependents, is approximately 15% of all Bridge traffic.

Every effort is being made to expedite the handling of Army and
Navy vehicles and to cooperate fully with defense efforts of the military
authorities. No delay is occasioned in the handling of Army and Navy-
owned vehicles. Necessarily, there is considerable delay in verifying
passes presented for private vehicles, and these passes account for
60% to 80% of all Government vehicles. It is impossible to handle the
toll-free passage of 1,200 to 1,800 or more private vehicles each day,
nearly all of which are on private business or pleasure, without seri-
ously delaying the passage of vital military equipment and personnel
and, in fact all toll-paying vehicles. The District has requested co-
operation of military authorities to curtail or eliminate issuance of
passes for private business or pleasure trips. Such action would
materially speed up the flow of all traffic through the lanes.

The Bridge has demonstrated, many times over, its economic value
to the general public. To appreciate its value as a defense facility,
it is only necessary to visualize the hopeless congestion that might
exist at this time were it still necessary to use ferry facilities to trans-
port Government and private vehicles across the Golden' Gate.

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge

During the year 1941 the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge main-
tained its previously established position as the world's most heavily

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traveled toll structure, at the same time breaking all previous records.
The total traffic for the year was about 19,000,000 vehicles. The highest
monthly record occurred in August when 1,809.329 vehicles crossed
the Bridge.

The large increase in traffic must undoubtedly be attributed to a
number of different factors or influences. The most notable of these
have probably been the intense national defense efforts and the accom-
panying increase in general economic activity.

November 12, 1941, was the fifth anniversary of the opening day of
the Bridge. During these five years the importance of the Bridge and
its influence on the entire San Francisco Bay region have steadily
grown. The tremendous increases in Bridge traffic offer a constant
demonstration of this importance. Even after five years of operation
the Bridge is still a source of interest to visitors from afar, as well
as to many others not so fortunate who send numerous requests for
information of all sorts relative to its construction, operation, finances,
or other matters.

In spite of its large volume of traffic, the Bridge continues to be one
of the safest highways of the nation. The record shows that a person
can normally expect to drive much farther on the San Francisco-Oak-
land Bay Bridge than on the ordinary highways of the United States
before being involved in a traffic accident.

Maintenance and operation of the Bay Bridge involves a wide variety
of occupations, including maintenance engineers and inspectors,
accountants and other office workers, toll collectors, painters, mechan-
ics, electricians, emergency equipment operators, roadway maintenance
crews, and workers in several other classifications as well. All em-
ployees are under State Civil Service and at the present time are about.
200 in number.

Federal Projects

The following report is submitted by Wm. Arthur Newman, District
Engineer, in connection with the construction activities of the Fed-
eral Government under Public Buildings Administration, San Fran-
cisco:

San Francisco Appraisers Stores and Immigration Station: The
official name of this building has been shortened to U. S. Appraisers
Building. In January it was 4% complete and in December 43%.
Total contracts awarded to date amount to $4, 118, 722. 00. Occupancy
date is undetermined, pending deliveries of building materials. De-
fense Housing: Construction of 75 housing units for the Harbor De-
fense Area was awarded to Contractor Robert McCarthy: 45 units
at Fort Barry, 6 at Fort Baker, 6 at Fort Funston, and 18 at Fort
Winfield Scott. This work has been completed and occupied. Land-
scaping is now proceeding. Federal Office Building: Due to war con-
ditions expansions of the Navy has required the entire fourth floor,
portions of the first, fifth and sixth floors of the Federal Office Build-
ing, in addition to the third floor originally occupied. The District
Headquarters of the Eighth District. Public Buildings Administration,
Federal Works Agency, was moved to Latham Square Building, Oak-
land. Other Federal activities in the Federal Office Building and in
other Federal buildings in San Francisco have moved to rented quar-
ters in the city due to expansion of war activities. Rincon Annex Post
Office: Landscaping around the Rincon Annex Post Office Building, at
Mission and Steuart Streets, improved the appearance of this section
of the city. Expansion of the Rincon Annex P. O. facilities has required
taking over a warehouse formerly vacant, located on the Government
site.

U. S. Coast Guard Air Station. Mills Field: This air station has been
completed, occupied and dedicated. Additional improvements, including
landscaping, during this year, have greatly improved this fine Air

( 35 )

Station. Improvements are contemplated to the Federal buildings in
San Francisco during the year 1942.

Board of Education

Hardly ever before, in the history of San Francisco, have burdens
equal to those of 1941 been placed upon the public schools. As Mayor
of this city, I am pleased to be able to report that all responsibilities
have been faithfully performed. More important, the pressure of un-
anticipated demands did not in any way interfere with the basic task
of our schools — the education of the youth of our city.

Foremost among the unexpected tasks was the training of national
defense workers. As shipyards, factories and other production cen-
ters found the need for skilled workers becoming acute, they turned
to the schools for help. Classes were organized on a twenty-four hour
basis and as of December 1, 1941, a total of 7,866 adults had been
trained to take their places in defense industries. This work was
accomplished without interfering with the basic industrial and voca-
tional arts programs which have efficiently operated in San Francisco
for many years. Enrollments in these classes as of December 1 in-
cluded approximately 15,000 boys in junior and senior high school
shop classes 1,146 adults in apprentice training instruction and 1,802
adults in trade extension work.

The arrest in February of this year of a group of boys referred to
as the "dead-end kids" led the citizenry of San Francisco to inquire
what was being done to combat tendencies toward juvenile delinquency.
Investigations revealed a widespread laxity of parental discipline and a
failure of character building agencies to attract youth to their doors.
Again the public demanded that the public schools breach the gap
and again the schools responded. A committee headed by Dr. Alvin C.
Burich of Stanford University was appointed to make a survey of
the counseling and guidance program. On the basis of an exhaustive
investigation the committee submitted a report to the Superintendent
of Schools during the summer. The major recommendations made
were put into effect and today the San Francisco counseling and
guidance plan serves as a model of progressiveness throughout the
nation.

Bombs on Pearl Harbor and unanticipated San Francisco blackouts
necessitated immediate development of public school air raid precau-
tions. Procedures were prepared by the schools' administrative staff
and within two days principals of all schools were conducting air raid
drills along lines required by the San Francisco Council of Civilian
Defense. Janitors had been instructed in the handling of incendiary
bombs. The reward came from the relieved parents of thousands of
youngsters one of whom wrote to the Superintendent of Schools as
follows: "I must express my profound admiration and gratitude for
the splendid way our teachers are handling this emergency. ... At no
time have they evidenced any fear or even nervousness." San Fran-
cisco is indeed fortunate to have in its employ an outstanding teach-
ing corps.

Demands of the national defense program necessitated a postpone-
ment of new construction scheduled for this year. The postponement
was effected without hardship upon any pupils and without the neces-
sity of curtailing in any way the educational program. As Mayor, it
was my privilege some weeks ago to summon all department heads to
meet with representatives of the Public Works Reserve of the Federal
Works Agency. The purpose of this organization is to coordinate future
construction of public buildings to relieve anticipated unemployment
after the present emergency. Plans for such construction, extending
far into the future, are being prepared by the School Department.

It was my pleasure to appoint as Commissioner of Education for
a five-year term beginning in January 1942, Honorable Harry I. Chris-

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tie, executive secretary of the Allied Printing Trades Council, and to
reappoint for a similar term Mrs. Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel, who has
served with distinction as a member of the Board of Education since
1935. Both selections were confirmed by the voters at the general
election in November 1941.

Police Department

The report of Charles W. Dullea. Chief of Police, presents in brief
the various activities of this department for the year 1941. The facts
revealed by a study of the work performed by the Police Department
show that San Francisco is receiving excellent police protection, and
that the department is displaying police efficiency second to none.

Civilian Defense

A problem of grave importance and one that is most closely con-
cerned with every person of whatever station in life, is civilian de-
fense. During the past year the department has prepared the most
detailed plans for the care of the civilian population in the event of
any major disaster. This preparedness, of necessity, embraces a very
wide field and demands much study and planning, and a thorough co-
operation within the department strengthened by any and all avail-
able cooperation from without the department.

Having formulated our general plans for coping with any major
catastrophe, department heads attended many meetings with various
law enforcement agencies of the State formed for civilian defense.
Meetings were held at Sacramento and Los Angeles, with further con-
ferences held later at Sacramento.

The State is divided into nine regions, San Francisco being in the
fifth region, which includes the nine bay counties. Regional training
school for region five was held at the University of California for
three days in June, conducted by members of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation. Later, through cooperation of the commanding generals
of the Fourth Army, the Ninth Corps Area, and the Fourth Air Force,
the California Technical Institute of Peace Officers' Training was held
at Berkeley, and attended by members of this department. The fact
was stressed that in the matter of any emergency, the care of the
civilian population rests entirely with the civil authorities.

At the present time the San Francisco Police Department is ready
with detailed statistics connected with physical properties of public
utilities and private manufacturing enterprises and has also, in de-
tail, a vast mass of information concerning hospitalization and trans-
portation, housing, et cetera. We are thus ready to sit in with heads
of other civic units and dovetail our efforts with the recently organized
San Francisco Civilian Defense Council.

Major Crimes

The year just past shows a low average in crimes, with decreases,
in comparison with last year, in manslaughter by negligence (motor
vehicle), robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and auto theft.
Percentages range from 11.14% decrease in larcenous offenses to 5.9%
in manslaughter by negligence. Of the major offenses, only murder
and rape showed an increase over the previous year.

Another twelve months have passed without a bank robbery within
the City and County of San Francisco.

There was a 13% decrease in the amount, or value of property, lost
through burglaries, robberies, grand and petty theft, as shown by
a comparison of this year with last.

Police Academy

Our department continues to train recruits and acquaint them with
the many phases of law enforcement work and modern police routine.

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Detailed Instructions are given in military training, physical educa-
tion and first aid, report writing and rules and regulations of the
department, criminal law and procedure, traffic and accident procedure,
mechanics of arrest and searches, firearms, and motorcycle riding.

On the completion of the course each recruit police officer is awarded
a graduating certificate, as well as a first aid teachers' certificate by
the officials of the Red Cross. Refresher courses for all members of
the department were also conducted at intervals.

Each member of the academy staff is an expert in his particular line
and is selected because of his specialized ability in the course he
teaches. Staff members were given an in-service-training course under
the supervision of the chief instructor of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation.

School Traffic Patrol

The School Traffic Patrol is an outstanding factor in safety in our
department. Nearly thirty-five hundred School Traffic Patrol boys
guard six hundred school crossings, protecting the lives of over one
hundred forty thousand school children attending public and private
schools in this city.

It is an outstanding safety feat to report that another year has
passed without an accident, fatal or otherwise, occurring at our school
crossings during school hours.

Each year the traffic boys have a day's outing at the Presidio as
guests of the army, and are given a thorough picture of life at the post.
Also, each year one or two boys are selected from each school for
two weeks' vacation in School Traffic Patrol Officers' Safety Training
Camp, under the patronage of our Police Commission. These outings
are looked-for events in the life of the School Traffic Patrol boys.

Accident Prevention Bureau

San Francisco has set the pace at the half-way mark — first six
months of 1941 — in its population group of 500,000 and over, in the
National Traffic Safety Contest, as announced by the National Safety
Council. This standing is based on the cities' traffic fatality records
and the improvement over their preceding three-year average — factors
which constitute only 50% of the points used in final judging at the
end of the year.

The additional 50 points awarded in the final judging are for the
scope of the accident prevention program — accident reporting system,
traffic engineering and enforcement, child safety programs and public
education. For the first six months, San Francisco led the largest
cities with 30 points out of a possible 50. New York City was second
with 18.3 and Pittsburgh third with 18.1.

Intelligent planning and conscientious enforcement of traffic laws
have kept accidents to a minimum, and this in spite of the increased
volume of traffic on our streets. There has been no increase in traffic
accidents for this year over last, even though there has been a very
perceptible increase in the volume of automobile and other traffic on
our streets.

Two-way radio equipped automobiles have been installed and have
not been in operation for a sufficient length of time to give definite
proof of their effectiveness, as a traffic accident deterrent, but, as in
cities which have had two-way radio, we look for this to prove a very
effective factor in accident provention.

Improvements and Additions

At an estimated cost of $50,000.00, preparations are complete for the
construction of a shooting range and police training headquarters at
Lake Merced. This combined project, when completed, will rank with
the best in the United States. The budget also includes $5,000.00 for

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ammunition for training members of the department in the use of
various types of firearms.

For the installation of a two-way radio system in our department
automobiles and that department police patrol boat a sum of $20,000.00
has been made available. The department patrol boat and a large
percentage of department automobiles have already been made part of
our two-way radio system.

A department tow truck, for which $2,500.00 was allowed in the
budget, has been in operation for some time, and, irrespective of its
possibilities in the matter of towing illegally parked cars, has already
proven its worth in the towing of broken down department auto-
mobiles.

At a cost of approximately $6,000.00, a horse van, fully equipped,
with space for seven horses, has been acquired. This unit saves much
time two or three times daily in the movement of our department
mounts which heretofore had to be ridden to and from the regular
tours of duty covered by the mounted men of the department.

Fire Department

During the first eleven months of the year 1941, the San Francisco
Fire Department responded to 7,919 alarms of fire, an increase of 575
over a corresponding period of the previous year. Some of the
more serious fires occurred on the following dates: May 19th, at the
Gragnano Macaroni Factory, 970 Bryant Street; July 11th at the
Shelley Tire Co., 1814 Market Street; August 2nd, at the Tiedemann
& Harris Packing Plant, 360 Langton Street; October 13th, at the
Bauer Cooperage Storage Plant, 733 7th Street.

Prompt and effective work on the part of the fire department pre-
vented the spread of these fires to adjoining properties, and in each
instance the losses were gratifyingly low.

Civil Defense activities occupied a major part of the attention
of the department, and in this connection, drawing upon the expe-
rience gained by European cities which were exposed to heavy air
raids, the necessary mechanism for the decentralization of command
of the various fire fighting units was prepared by the creation of an
additional division and by revision of the battalion district boundaries.

Inspection of industrial plants, with particular stress on those en-
gaged in defense work, was accelerated and a comprehensive program
of expansion of the department under war conditions, together with a
schedule of training for auxiliary firemen was inaugurated, and the
latter is now in full swing with drills being conducted in all of the
52 department houses.

Fully aware to the grave responsibilities which modern warfare
imposes upon the fire protection service of vulnerable coast cities, the
San Francisco Fire Department faces its task with courage, determin-
ation, and in utmost confidence.

Civil Service Commission

The volume of work of the Civil Service Commission during the
past year has been greatly increased by reason of the change in em-
ployment conditions resulting from the National Defense program,
and more recently, war conditions.

In the fall of 1940, the Commission sponsored a charter amendment
which was approved by the voters and which authorized military
leaves in time of peace. Until then, the charter authorized military
leaves in time of war only. Adoption of this amendment has extended
security in their municipal employment or civil service eligibility for
appointment to hundreds of employees and eligibles who, as mem-
bers of the California National Guard or of the Reserve Corps, were

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called to active military duty or who had been drafted for military
training and service prior to the involvment of this country in the
war.

The National Defense program created a vast expansion of employ-
ment in private industry and in other governmental services as well as
absorbing men into the enlarged military establishments. This con-
spired to use up the long-standing national surplus of labor and finally
to produce a definite labor shortage.

Withdrawal of experienced employees from the municipal service
and the shortage of labor necessitated doubling the number of civil
service examinations normally required to supply the needs of the
municipal government. As of December 17, 1941, the Commission had
concluded 48 examinations since July 1st and 50 others were in prog-
ress. As of December 17, 1941, examinations were needed for 58 ad-
ditional classifications but these have not yet been announced because
of the limited staff and facilities, with which to hold the examinations.
It is apparent that during the current fiscal year, between 150 and
175 examinations will be required to supply the personnel needs of
the municipal government as against an average of 85 examinations
per year for the past three years.

By charter amendment effective during this fiscal year, the Park
and Library Departments and the Airport have been brought under
civil service. The more than 800 employments involved were classi-
fied and the status of the occupants of the positions determined by
the Commission on the basis of a careful survey of the duties and
responsibilities and personnel records. It is interesting to note that,
exclusive of school teachers, only 130 employments and offices in the
municipal service or 1.3% remain in the unclassified service. As of
June 30, 1941, there were 13,555 employments and offices established
in the municipal service, including school teachers.

The Commission cooperated with me in developing a uniform salary
•adjustment policy which I recommended to the Board of Supervisors at
the beginning of the current fiscal year. This cooperation included
comprehensive analyses and reports of actual municipal salaries, wages
in private employment and other governmental jurisdictions, and com-
parisons of these with recommended salary schedules as well as es-
timates of costs of various proposed plans.

Employees' Retirement System

The Retirement System included 12,807 employees at June 30, 1941.
During the fiscal year ending on that date, 205 members were retired
because of age or disability and 139 active members died. Many of
the positions thus vacated were not filled. During 1940-41, 129 retired
persons died, and on June 30, 1941, there were 2,046 persons receiv-
ing allowances under the Retirement System, this number including
aged and disabled members retired from the several departments and
also retired firemen and policemen, and their widows, where retire-
ment allowances were continued to them or death resulted while in
performance of duty.

The administration of the State Compensation Insurance Law, as it
affects all city employees, is centralized under the Retirement Board.
Reports of all injuries among approximately 13,000 employees are
made to the Retirement Office and claims are adjusted and benefits
paid in accordance with the State law and Charter, the city and county
acting as self-insurer in relation to all employees. During the fiscal
year 1940-41, 955 compensation cases were handled, under which either
weekly benefits or medical expenses were paid. Approximately 1,673
additional cases were handled which were not of sufficient severity
to qualify for compensation benefits of any kind. The investments of
the Retirement Fund at June 30, 1941, totaled $28,557,632 as against
$26,268,429 as of June 30, 1940.

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Assessor

The grand total of the 1941-42 Assessment Roll exceeds one billion
dollars for the first time in six years; reflecting a substantial revival
of business and real estate during the past year. This upward trend
is illustrated by the eight million dollar increase in tangible personal
property valuations, and a thirty million dollar increase in solvent
credits — commercial bank accounts and open book accounts of our
local business firms. More than 46,000 parcels of land, over one-fourth
of the land surface of the City, were inspected and revalued during
the past year. This revision resulted in a decrease of $6,250,000. Land
values were revised in the Richmond, Sunset, West Portal, and Park-
side Districts, part of the Western Addition District, and in the
lower Market Street area, both north and south of Market Street.

Home building expanded greatly during 1940-41, particularly in the
Sunset, Parkside, Merced Manor, and Lakeside Districts. This gain
was offset by depreciation reductions granted to older buildings, leav-
ing a net increase in building values of approximately five million
dollars.

The newly reorganized Marine Department in the Assessor's Office
increased assessed valuations of watercraft by over a million dollars.

If the valuation studies now being conducted by the Assessor's
Office are not curtailed because of the war, San Francisco will possess
one of the outstanding assessing offices in the country. Efficiency in
this department results in a fair and equitable distribution of the tax
burden among all the property owners. This ideal of complete fairness
and equity in assessed values is of great benefit to taxpayers, and is
the goal of the Assessor's Office and the Administration.

Summarized Comparison of Assessment Rolls

Property assessed by the Assessor:
Tangible Property: 1941-42 1940-41

Real Estate and Improvements $ 658,696,945 $660,759,409

Personal Property:

Secured and unsecured 85,473,191 77,360,942

$ 744,170,136 $738,120,351
Less, veterans' exemptions 7,177,626 6,971,519

$ 736,992,510 $731,148,832
Intangible Property:

Solvent credits (10c per $100) $ 150,089,220 $122,131,993

Property assessed by State Board
of Equalization:
Tangible Property:

Real Estate and Improvements $ 56,484,740 $ 56,524,500

Personal Property 32,908,920 32,913,470

$ 89,393,660 $ 89,437,970
Intangible Property:

Solvent credits (10c per $100) $ 37,404,630 $ 34,472,660

Grand Total $1,013,880,310 $977,191,455

Office of the Treasurer

The Treasurer's Office is conducted in strict conformity with the
Federal Reserve Act of 1935 as amended, the Constitution and the Laws
of the State of California, the Charter, and Ordinances and Resolutions
of the Board of Supervisors.

(41 )

Cash on hand at the close of business June 30. 1940. $19,3S'
Cash received fiscal vear 1940-1941, SS2.4S6.10S.99. Cash disbursed fiscal
year 1940-1941. $81,788,7 - . Total cash $164,274,81 1.92. Journal
transfers $110,747,857.22. Cash June 30. 1941 _ 78.2< .71.

Controller's audit at the close of the fiscal year showed cash and
accounts exactly correct. Audit of the Retirement System securities
with coupons attached, by private auditors, were found intact and in
perfect order.

Ordinance Xo. 1181, Series of 1939. designated the National City Bank
of New York as the Fiscal Agency of the City and County, effective
July 1. 1941. Said ordinance provides, section 2: •For the paying and
receiving and returning to the Treasurer of the City and County of
San Francisco of each semi-annual coupon on any bond as the same
becomes due and payable. 4c. Also for the paying and receiving and
returning to the Treasurer of the City and County of San Francisco
of each bond which has become due and payable. 1 20 of 19£ of the
face value of said bond."

It is difficult to determine at this time what the savings will be
by the change from the old method, because of the change in owner-
ship of bonds of the City and County. If it is not satisfactory. I pro-
pose to recommend that the Fiscal Agency be discontinued. The credit
of the City and County is so well established that I fail to see the ne-
cessity therefor, although it is provisionally written into the bonds.

Several tons of old paper stored in the basement of the Treasurer's
Office were sold in accordance with law. By getting rid of this useless
material, ample space is provided for a safety shelter for all employees
of the office, and a limited additional number from other offices, in
case of air raids and bombings. In my mind, it is the most secure
spot in the City Hall.

There has been no increase in personnel during the fiscal year.
Office costs are kept to the very minimum. Comparison with other
cities shows that office costs are lower than elsewhere.

Sheriff

The report of Daniel C. Murphy. Sheriff, covers the calendar year
1941. and shows receipts as follows:

County commissions, fees and mileage. $31,424.40: cash receipts un-
der writs of attachment, executions, fee deposits of plaintiffs, and
cash deposits by defendants in lieu of undertakings on release of at-
tachments. $2 L49.7 -ales of personal property, after deduction of
County commission and fees _ -ales of real property,

>" " .47: total >.

Process and papers filed and issued, number IS. 191. Under the heads
of writs of attachment and writs of execution, most of the personal
property levied upon consists of garnishments. However, under that
type of writs, including Claim and Delivery and writs of Replevin, per-
sonal property sales were consummated, to the number of S7. amount,
S.64. Writs of possession. 162: possession to plaintiff. 112: un-
executed, 15; forcible evictions. 35.

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1941. the number of inmates in
San Francisco County Jails averaged S13. There were 419 Federal male
and 15 Federal female prisoners received: daily average. 25. The total
sum received from the Federal Government was (7,043.20.

TransDortation: During the calendar year of 1941 there were 672
male patients and 513 female patients transported from the Detention
Hospital to various state institutions. From our County Jails 1S9 male
and 11 female prisoners were transported to state penitentiaries and
other correctional institutions during this same period. The transpor-

42

tation of these persons is under the direct supervision of the Sheriff
and follows the procedure authorized on January 13, 1936 of Ordinance
7.062, Bill 890. All surplus money received from this source is de-
posited with the Treasurer of the City and County of San Francisco
by the Sheriff. While under the law the Sheriff could retain this
surplus money he believes it should be used for the benefit of the tax-
payers of the City and County of San Francisco. This new procedure
adopted by the Sheriff has resulted in a saving to the City and County
of San Francisco of $5421.35 during the last fiscal year.

County Jail Commissary Stores: At the request of the Sheriff, Or-
dinance 7061, Bill 860 was drafted and approved on January 13, 1936.
This Ordinance established County Jail stores to be maintained for
the convenience of prisoners and under this procedure should there be
any profit it would be deposited with the Treasurer for the benefit of
the taxpayers of the City and County of San Francisco.

These stores are under the direct supervision of the Sheriff and with
minimum prices on all commodities sold in the stores the profit
for the last fiscal year amounted to $6226.89.

Public Utilities Commission

On January 8, 1942, the Public Utilities Commission, which controls
and operates all municipally owned utilities, had been in existence
for 10 years. Increased service of these utilities to San Francisco is
explained in detail in the following departmental reports:

Municipal Railway

The Municipal Railway at the close of the calendar year had com-
pleted its twenty-ninth year of operation. Service was furnished to
both the ferry terminal and to the bay bridge terminal, and notwith-
standing increasingly trying traffic conditions the best possible serv-
ice with available facilities was rendered to the people of San Fran-
cisco. The rate of fare remained unchanged at 5 cents with a free
transfer privilege, and based on an average fare of 8.33 cents through-
out the United States means a saving of over $2,700,000 for the year
to patrons of the Municipal Railway.

Operating revenues increased over the previous year notwithstand-
ing the fact that the previous year's business included 128 days of
operation of the Golden Gate International Exposition and that cash
passenger receipts decreased approximately $800 per day from Decem-
ber 8, 1941, to the close of the year due to war conditions. Operating
revenue for the year 1941 amouted to $4,098,996, an increase of $13,417,
or .33% over the preceding year. The sustained large volume of busi-
ness, with revenues at a figure of over four million dollars annually,
is very gratifying and can be attributed in part to the differences in
the rates of fare in effect on the Municipal Railway lines of 5 cents
with a free transfer privilege and on the Market Street Railway Com-
pany lines of 7 cents with a free transfer privilege.

In conformity with its policy of placing profits back into the system
in the forms of increased service, the Public Utilities Commission has
continued to render motor coach service in the districts in which
service was inaugurated in the previous two years and in addition in-
augurated new motor coach service serving the Irving-Noriega, outer
Mission, Park-Presidio, and Buena Vista Park districts. On September
7, 1941, motor coach operation on the Howard Street line was replaced
by trolley coach operation, nine new trolley coaches being used, and
has resulted in improved service on this line. This trolley coach oper-
ation was made possible due to the withdrawal of a taxpayers' suit
which had previously held up expenditure of funds for purchase of
trolley coaches and construction of overhead wiring and housing fa-
cilities. Funds for the purchase of new motor coaches and other addi-

(43)

tion and betterment items were also made available by settlement of
this suit.

Car and coach hours operated for the year increased 4,193 hours or
.40%. All available street cars and coaches owned by the Municipal
Railway are now in operation during peak hours of travel. The five
new modern type street cars which were placed in operation in 1939
and the nine new trolley coaches placed in operation this year have
proved exceedingly popular with the public, indicating that it is advis-
able to operate as many more new modern street cars and coaches
as can be purchased from available funds.

After providing for the cost of increased motor and trolley coach
service and increasing the provision for depreciation to $398,632 and
providing $122,670 for accidents for the year, a net income of $140,783
has resulted. This is $42,979 under the previous year and is accounted
for principally by reason of increased operating expenses in the year
1941 due to new bus line extensions and higher wage and material
costs.

Track roadway and equipment have been maintained in excellent
condition, the sum of $464,694 having been expended for this purpose.
Included in this maintenance work was the overhauling and painting
of thirty-eight street car bodies and nine motor coaches. In connection
with the painting of street cars and coaches, the new combination of
blue and gold colors is being used in place of the old "municipal gray"
used prior to 1940.

Expenditures for new construction, equipment, and replacements
amounted to $485,581. The major items included in this amount are
the following:

Track replacement — Geary Street — Divisadero to Lyon and Jor-
dan to Tenth Avenues $144,702

Howard Street trolley coach line construction and facilities 111,558

Nine new trolley coaches ► 118,584

Ten new 26-passenger motor coaches 80,839

Two new 31-passenger motor coaches ,.:.. 20,237

Funds are available, but no expenditures have been made to date for
the following:

New motor coach garage $160,000

Purchase of 13 new motor coaches 135,000

During the year under track maintenance and replacements, 10,962
feet of single track was reconstructed, 645 thermit weld joints were
installed, 140,337 square feet of concrete base 7" deep was renewed and
228,979 square feet of asphalt paving replaced.

On December 1, the sum of $100,000 in bonds of the railway was
retired from earnings so that there now remains an indebtedness of
only $1,100,000 against the Municipal Railway properties which are
conservatively valued at $10,000,000.

Over 108,700,000 passengers were carried during the year, which is
a decrease of 122,000 passengers under the previous year, but still one
of the highest records in the history of the Municipal Railway. Street
cars and coaches traveled a distance of 10,247,000 miles, which is an
increase of 102,600 miles over last year. Cars and coaches operated
1,062,500 hours, or 4,200 hours more than the previous year.

Passenger receipts which showed an increase of 2.51% in October,
1941, and 2.75% in November, 1941, over the previous year, showed a
marked drop in December, 1941, due to evening travel having fallen
off due to war conditions. It is hoped that this condition will not
prevail to such an extent in the year 1942 and that the normal evening
travel will be revived. Assuming this travel is revived and that the
great volume of war expenditures to be made by the Federal Govern-
ment reflects itself in the railway business, and also that private au-

(44)

tomobile operation may have to be curtailed, it is reasonable to look-
forward to increased railway receipts in 1942.

Water Department

The Water Department continues to be a sound and successful muni-
cipal enterprise. During the past year — the twelfth under municipal
operation — somewhat greater than normal gains were registered, both
as to the number of consumers served and as to profits earned. It is
worthy of note that these increased profits are over and above those of
the previous year when the Exposition undoubtedly accounted for
considerable revenue.

Water sales for the year amounted to $7,545,396 and net income from
operations was $3,069,002, as compared to $3,090,629 for the preceding
year. The apparent decrease of $21,627 in net income is due to an
increase of $330,639 in payments to the Hetch Hetchy Water Supply
for water and standby charges. Adjusting for this item, net income
for the year shows a very substantial increase of $309,012. This in-
crease is the net result of a $247,745 increase in water sales, a decrease
of $1,061 in miscellaneous income, and a net decrease of $62,328 in
operating expense due mainly to decreased bond interest expense.

The water sales increase of $247,745 represents a gain of $235,685 in
revenue, an increase of $41,678 in service furnished to non-paying
municipal accounts and a decrease of $29,618 in service to the Golden
Gate International Exposition Company.

The increase of $235,685 in revenue sales was accounted for by a
2.9% increase in San Francisco amounting to $162,321 and by a 15.3%
increase in the suburban district amounting to $73,364. The San Fran-
cisco gain was largely concentrated in the last quarter of the year,
while the suburban gain was general throughout the year.

Water consumption again reached an all-time high with an average
of 70 million gallons daily for the year. This was a gain of 2.9 million
gallons daily over the preceding year and was accounted for by in-
creases of 1.4 million gallons daily in San Francisco and 1.5 million
gallons daily in the suburban district.

The number of active consumers in San Francisco increased to 127,-
100; a gain of 4,352 for the past year as compared to a gain of 3,647
for the preceding year. A total of 16 miles of new mains was added
to the distribution system in the city and 5,400 new service connections
were installed for a gain of 663 over the 4,737 installed during the pre-
vious year.

These increases in the number of consumers and in new consumer
installations approximate those of the middle 1920's and provide the
potential for a corresponding increase in water usage, particularly in
the residential areas comprising the higher elevation distribution dis-
tricts.

Existing transmission and distribution facilities cannot meet any
further increase in water usage in these higher elevation districts.
Present demands can be cared for only by virtue of two electric
pumps installed during the year to temporarily provide for the imme-
diate shortage in the Stanford Heights district. Considerable progress
has been made on the construction program designed to permanently
provide for these residential areas by means of an additional outlet
and pipe line from the San Andreas reservoir in San Mateo County
and a new 500-foot-elevation distribution reservoir in San Francisco.
Funds for the San Andreas outlet have been provided from Water
Department revenues and construction of temporary pumping plants
is now under way to enable lowering of the lake for construction of
the outlet. Also an 18^-acre tract of land located in Sutro Forest has
been purchased as a site for the proposed new distribution reservoir.

The past winter's rainfall on the local watersheds was approximately
25% above normal and at the end of the run-off season all reservoirs

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were filled to the point of overflow. This prolific local runoff precluded
the necessity of drawing on the Hetch Hetchy system for other than
sufficient water to supply some of the suburban consumers during the
winter period of excessive turbidity in the Calaveras reservoir. Local
storage at the close of the year was approximately 43,000 million gal-
lons or the equivalent of a 600-day supply.

A resume of the financial results of city's operation of the Water
Department from March 3. 1930, to December 31. 1941, shows gross
income of $82,972,367 and operating expenses of $49,109,439. The net
income of $33,862,928 was used for:

Contributions to General Fund for Hetch Hetchy bond in-
terest and redemption $10,262,630

Contributions to Hetch Hetchy system 3,246,126

Redemption of Water Department bonds 14,313,094

Additions and betterments 5,953, 71S

Surplus and miscellaneous 87,360

In addition to this net income, the Water Department has furnished
water service free of charge to various other city departments to the
amount of $4,563,600, and through a series of rate reductions has
saved water consumers in excess of $7,000,000 as compared to rates
under the former private ownership.

Hetch Hetchy Water Supply

The close of the calendar year 1941 marked the seventh year of suc-
cessful and uninterrupted operation of the Hetch Hetchy Water Supply
for its primary purpose of augmenting the water supply of San Fran-
cisco, and the sixteenth of the attendant power system. Water storage
in the reservoirs in the High Sierra was substantial and sufficient for
all power and domestic water supply demands. The quantity of water
originating in the Hetch Hetchy source and transmitted to San Fran-
cisco's local system was less than in the previous years, due to excep-
tionally high rainfall during the winter of 1940-1941, but nevertheless
formed a large part of the water being served to San Francisco. Main-
tenance work necessary to keep the properties in first-class operating
condition was continued, and several contracts and other items of
work for improvements and additions to the properties were performed.
Inspection of the miles of tunnels and large pipe lines comprising
this system indicated that these features of the project are in excellent
condition. Litigation pertaining to Hetch Hetchy water rights, par-
ticularly the so-called "Dan Williams case," in which a judgment favor-
able to the City was entered on May 16, 1941, was successfully de-
fended during the year. Amicable relations with the Turlock. Modesto,
and Waterford Irrigation Districts with reference to the use of the
waters of the Tuolumne River, continued throughout the year, in ac-
cordance with an agreement made in 1940 in which all parties pledged
themselves to cooperate in the use of these waters, and under which
pending litigation is postponed for a period of fifteen years. Surveying
and planning, begun in the summer of 1940, for the development of
the Cherry River source of water supply, were continued during the
year 1941. This work is being done to protect the City's water rights,
and will be continued in the future.

Hetch Hetchy Power

The power generating facilities of the Hetch Hetchy system con-
tinued in full operation throughout the year 1941. The amount of
electricity generated was substantially the same as for previous years
—practically equal to the full capacity of the existing plants.

In addition to routine maintenance of the properties, several items
of work for improvements and additions to the properties were per-
formed.

Following the ruling of the United States Supreme Court on April
(46)

22, 1940, that the existing agency agreement with the Pacific Gas and
Electric Company violates Section 6 of the Raker Act, efforts were
made to determine a method of disposal of power in a manner con-
forming to this ruling. Lacking distribution facilities, this ruling,
which sustained an injunction against disposal of Hetch Hetchy power
under the present arrangement, left the City with no other market
available, and the possibility of the loss of the much needed annual
revenue of about $2,400,000. Negotiations were initiated immediately
with the Secretary of the Interior, in an effort to arrange power dis-
posal plans acceptable to the Federal Government. A lease arrange-
ment contemplating formal compliance with the requirements of the
Raker Act was approved as to form by Secretary Ickes on December
5, 1940, but the Secretary rejected the complete lease agreement fol-
lowing a public hearing held in Washington beginning May 21, 1941.
This left the City about to enter a new fiscal year facing the prospect
of complete loss of its power revenue, but by agreement an extension
to June 30, 1942 of the effective date of the injunction was obtained,
subject to certain stipulations. Pursuant to one of these stipulations,
in the election held November 4, 1941 a popular vote was taken on
a revenue bond proposition to provide for a municipal system for
transmission of power to San Francisco and distribution by the City
direct to consumers. Approval of the plan for this system was obtained
from the Secretary of the Interior. The Mayor, the Public Utilities
Commission, and the Manager of Utilities, and others actively sup-
ported this bond proposition, but it failed to gain the necessary ma-
jority of votes cast. At the close of the year proceedings are in prog-
ress for a revision of the Raker Act to eliminate the language on
which the injunction is based.

Utilities Engineering and Construction

During the year, satisfactory progress was made on Municipal Rail-
way, Airport, and other utility engineering and construction activities
for which the Engineering Bureau of the Public Utilities Commission
is responsible.

At the termination, by a decision favorable to the City, of a tax-
payer's suit which delayed this work, the Howard Street trolley bus
line was put into condition for use. A reinforced concrete addition to
the Seventeenth Street car barn was constructed to provide shop
facilities and storage space for the electric trolley buses, and terminal
loops were constructed at the ends of the line.

Contracts were entered into and completed for the reconstruction of
long sections of the old and much depreciated Geary Street tracks,
this work being a continuation of work carried on during previous
years; and also during the year, other improvements were made to
rolling stock and trackage of the railroad.

The preparation of plans and specifications and the supervision and
construction of work at the San Francisco Airport continued actively
during the year. Under a program for the improvement of landplane
and seaplane ports at this airport, with funds available from the 1938
bond issue augmented by' contributions from the Federal Government
through the Works Progress Administration, extensive construction of
concrete aprons, pavements, and taxiway pavements was accomplished,
in addition to the placing of about 1,000,000 square feet of macadam
pavement for runway extensions and taxiways. Improvements and ex-
tensions were made to the sewage disposal, power distribution, and
field lighting systems. A major item of work, begun last spring, is
the construction of the administration building and of the extensive
hangar and shop building and other air terminal facilities being pro-
vided near the northwesterly corner of the airport properties east of
Bayshore Highway, to be used under lease by the United Air Lines
as their terminal office and shop headquarters. The office staff of the
United Air Lines moved into the new administration building October
15, 1941. The other buildings will be ready for occupancy in the spring
of 1942.

(47)

Treasure Island Airport

During the year, events pertaining to Treasure Island moved rapidly.
Early in December of 1940, preliminary arrangements were made for
the Navy's occupancy of the island for the period of the national
emergency. These arrangements culminated in a lease agreement
dated February 3, 1941, which provided for the Navy to occupy all of
Treasure Island, except that portion leased to Pan American Airways
Corporation and that portion in the immediate vicinity of the Air
Terminal Building. The Navy was also granted the use of one-third
of the Administration Building. The lease is on a year-to-year basis,
with the right of annual renewal, for a maxium period of five years.
As a consideration for the rights granted by the City, the Navy spon-
sored a Works Project Administration project in the amount of
$•1,680,000, for the construction of two intersecting runways, connect-
ing taxiways, aprons, field lighting and drainage systems, rehabilita-
tion of buildings and utilities, and much other work essential to an
airport ready for operation for either military or civil purposes. Work
under this project commenced immediately following ground breaking
ceremonies held April 24, 1941, and considerable progress has been
made in preparing foundations for the runway pavements, construc-
tion of concrete floor and installation of electric distribution system
in the east hangar, construction of concrete apron pavement outside
the hangar, construction of boundary fences, and construction of cer-
tain water supply and electric power and telephone lines, and other
items.

Activities on this project were slowed down towards the end of the
year, but it is expected they will pick up in the early part of this year.

The Navy has expended large sums of money in improvements On
Treasure Island for its use, and has a personnel of about 1,000 men
now stationed on the island. This work and the establishment of a
Navy Base at this point is a distinct benefit to San Francisco.

Street and Public Building Lighting

During the calendar year 525 new lights were added to San Francis-
co's street lighting system and 722 lights of obsolete types were replaced
by modern units. This increase makes a total of 24,750 lights now in
service in the streets.

Of the 525 lights added, 160 are part city-owned and part company-
owned, while 165 are wholly city-owned. The remaining 200 lights are
wholly company-owned and were installed at scattered locations through-
out the rapidly growing residential sections.

The 165 wholly city-owned lights represent an investment of $52,000
and were installed by property owners and deeded to the city, the city
to defray the maintenance and operating costs thereof.

The city now owns over 15% of the total number of street lights,
representing an investment well in excess of one million dollars.

The candlepower of a large number of lights along the boulevards
was increased during the year, which has resulted in better lighting
and fewer traffic accidents at night. In spite of the increased cost of
operating the larger lamps, the unit cost per light was lower than before
because of the city's ownership of a greater percentage of the lighting
system.

The consumption of gas and electricity by the various departments
increased in proportion to the increased activities of the municipality,
which, of course, resulted in a higher cost. But the unit cost was lower
because of more economical use of facilities and lower rates obtainable
through the efforts of this department.

San Francisco Airport

During the past year San Francisco Airport has advanced from the
position of a major air terminal to that of an important aviation cen-

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ter. Visitors to this public utility of the City and County of San Fran-
cisco will now find that the airport administrative area and hangars
have been flanked on the north by two additional building areas. One
is the new Western Division Headquarters of the United Air Lines
Transport Corporation, on a 14-acre plot of airport property, and the
other the U. S. Coast Guard Air Base, occupying some 21 acres.

The United Air Lines base is made up of a huge hangar with shop
annexes, a streamlined administration building, an engine test building,
and a gasoline storage building. The Coast Guard Air Base consists of
a spacious hangar surrounded by shops, a barracks capable of housing
110 officers and men, a wharf, and a ramp.

Some 180 employees of United Air Lines are already stationed at the
new airline headquarters, and more than 400 more will arrive with
completion of the construction work early in 1942.

The U. S. Coast Guard base was officially dedicated on February 15,
1941. The seaplane harbor on which the base is located, and the chan-
nel leading to the harbor have been dredged, marked and lighted.

Office space in the airport's Administration Building is now at a
premium. In May, 1941, the U. S. Weather Bureau established a new
consolidated forecast office at the airport. Its quarters, occupied by a
complement of 24 employees, cover about one-half of the mezzanine
floor. Agricultural forecasts for the five western states, and airway
forecasts for Northern California and east to Utah, emanate from this
new forecast center at San Francisco Airport.

The new Transpacific radio station of the Civil Aeronautics Ad-
ministration now occupies a suite of offices adjacent to those of the
Weather Bureau. The transmitting station, capable of world-wide com-
munication, is to be operated by remote control from these airport
headquarters. Installation of the equipment was well under way at
the close of the calendar year.

A radio range station of the Civil Aeronautics Administration was
commissioned at 'San Francisco Airport in November, 1941. It will
be maintained by Government personnel. This facility is used to
guide pilots to and from the airport during periods of blind flying
weather.

A surge of air traffic which has been reported by San Francisco
Airport the past few years continued in impressive proportions dur-
ing the year 1941. In every branch of the traffic tabulation a sub-
stantial increase is shown. Airline passengers in and out of the
airport passed the 200,000 mark, representing an increase of 28 per
cent over the previous year. Air mail, air express, and the number
of airline schedules all showed decided increases over 1940. The traffic
tabulation is as follows:

Total for Increase over
1941 1940

Passengers (in and out) 201.000 28%

Air mail poundage (on only) 891,000 32%

Air express poundage (on only) 301,600 31%

Transport planes (in and out) 25,600 18%

As the year 1941 was brought to a close, the schedules operated by
United Airlines and Transcontinental & Western Air at San Francisco
Airport total 35 arrivals and 35 departures daily. However, during
the fair weather months of summer and fall these daily schedules
reached as high as 42 arrivals and 42 departures.

In the development of the landing field proper the major field
enlargement program has been carried steadily forward. The three
runways, all of which have been repaved, now measure 4,500 feet,
5,500 feet, and 6,000 feet in length. An additional hard macadam
landing strip measures 3,000 feet in length.

New drainage pumps have been installed to handle the additional
areas being annually added to the landing area.

Since the declaration of war on December 8, 1941, the operation

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of civil aircraft, with the exception of airline aircraft, has been for-
bidden in this district by the Federal Government. The 60 commercial
and privately owned planes based at San Francisco Airport are there-
fore temporarily inactive.

The airport's value from a military standpoint is, of course, recog-
nized. The field is being adequately equipped by the U. S. Army not
only for defense of the airport proper, but also to serve as a unit in
providing protection to the San Francisco Bay area as a whole.

Emergency defense measures had been planned by the airport
management prior to the declaration of war, and all necessary pre-
cautions against sabotage and attack were therefore carried out
immediately after word was received of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Park Commission

During the year 1941, many improvements were made to add to the
attractiveness, as well as the usefulness, of the parks and squares under
the jurisdiction of the Board of Park Commissioners. One of the
most progressive steps to aid the traffic and parking problems of our
city was taken after the Supreme Court of the State of California
ruled that the Commission had the authority to lease the subsurface
of Union Square for a public garage. By a 50-year lease agreement
entered into with the Union Square Garage Corporation, a public garage
to accommodate 1,700 automobiles was begun in March to be com-
pleted within a period of twelve months at a cost of $1,500,000. Under
the terms of this lease agreement the garage will revert to the City
and County of San Francisco when the lease is terminated. Upon com-
pletion of the garage structure the surface of the park will be restored
with a beautifully landscaped area that will greatly enhance the sur-
roundings of this district.

The Aquatic Park Recreational Center was reopened under a new
policy whereby the Commission now operates the entire premises as
a recreation center for the people of this city. At the request of the
San Francisco Hospitality and Welfare Committee for Service Men,
the Commission set aside several nights each month for dances for
Service Men, and since the inception of this policy, thousands of sol-
diers and sailors have been treated to wholesome recreation activities
in this building. The Parent-Teacher Associations have also used these
premises on various occasions for high school dances.

An exhibition of model boats, made possible through the generosity
of the San Francisco Museum of Science and Industry, is on display
in the Blue Room, and in the first seven months over 80,000 people
attended this instructive show, which is free to the public. School
Department rowing activities also use the AqUatic Park Center, while
thousands of people enjoy themselves on the newly constructed beach
made possible by the transportation of 150,000 cu. yds. of sand from
the excavation of Union Square.

Major improvements to park properties, especially to the Recrea-
tion Division, included the painting of seats at Kezar Stadium and
the rehabilitation of the entrances and the exits, at a cost of $25,000;
the construction of four new fairways and greens at Sharp Park, there-
by making this golf course one of the finest in the country; the con-
struction of the third unit at Yacht Harbor, and other improvements
to the sanctuary for pleasure craft, at an expense of close to $35,000;
and the resurfacing of the South Drive as far west as 19th Avenue, by
the Works Progress Administration.

Throughout the year the Commission has worked in close coopera-
tion with military authorities and in the early part of the year the
Palace of Fine Arts tennis courts were turned over to the United
States Army to be used as a medical warehouse; while on many occa-
sions the military authorities used the properties in Golden Gate
Park to quarter the men during maneuvers and defense programs.
Other properties under the jurisdiction of the Commission have been

( 50)

turned over to the United States Army and Navy, to be employed in
the National Defense Program.

On September 1st. under the provisions of a charter amendment
voted on by an overwhelming majority, 557 employees were placed
under Civil Service, thereby making it possible for a reorganization
of the entire department, including the administrative staff, which, no
doubt, will enable the department to function and operate in a more
efficient manner.

Recreation Commission

During the past year, due to the national emergency having placed
increasing strain on American life, we were fully awakened to the
value of physical fitness for all the people.

Military authorities and the nation's leaders recognize the important
place recreation has in the national defense and wartime program.

These are difficult and extraordinary times, but men, women and chil-
dren should go on living as normal, wholesome, vigorous lives as pos-
sible. Civilian morale must be conserved, sane attitudes on the part
of youth must be maintained, and a continued happy play life for
children must be provided. One sure way to build toward a stronger
national life is to provide the people with safe, enjoyable recreation in
their leisure time.

During the past year the Recreation Department in addition to its
regular program conducted activities for men in the service and offered
programs to civilians that stimulated patriotism and loyalty to our
American ideals and traditions. Athletic leagues on playgrounds and
in the night gymnasia, socials and dances at the community centers,
and the use of camera and craft facilities have been fully enjoyed
by the men in uniform. Opportunities for prospective draftees to
physically prepare themselves for their period of service have been
offered to all, through cooperation of the local selective draft boards.

The Recreation Department's growth and increased service were
shown in many ways and the outstanding developments are given spe-
cial mention, as follows:

Plans formulated three years ago for the establishment and opera-
tion of a children's day camp in San Francisco were brought to fruition.

A children's summer vacation day camp was operated for the first
time this year in the canyon back of the Glen Park Playground. Chil-
dren were given the thrills of camp life, a taste of the outdoors, health-
ful play in the sun, and plenty of good food, for one week at the Glen
Park Day Camp. The children were recruited from city playgrounds,
fifty-five assigned from a different playground each week. As the sea-
son advanced, the number assigned was raised from sixty to seventy
each week. The total number of children attending the camp was 714.
All food except fresh milk was supplied through the Surplus Food
Commodities Bureau. The San Francisco Junior Chamber of Commerce
obtained the milk from local dairies. Average weight gain per child
was between 2y2 and 3 pounds in one week. Some children registered
individual weight gains as high as 6 pounds. A municipal bus pro-
vided transportation to and from the camp. Unquestionably a success,
plans are under way to enlarge the camp activities next summer.

Recreation units, all of which are supervised, were increased to 93.
Three new playgrounds were added: Sunset Playground at 28th Ave-
nue and Lawton Street; Corona Heights, Roosevelt and 25th Streets:
and Francis Scott Key Center at 42nd Avenue near Judah Street.

Four additional school gymnasia were supervised for night activities,
bringing the total to fourteen units. The new gymnasia wei*e Poly-
technic High School, Lowell High School, Denman Junior High School,
and Horace Mann Junior High School.

In July, the department started operation of the Crystal Palace Baths,
large indoor swimming pool leased by the City and County of San
Francisco for one year.

(51)

The healthful benefits of swimming and aquatic sports are now avail-
able to all children throughout the city, and the program has proved
most successful.

For the fifth consecutive summer, schoolyards were operated as play-
grounds during the vacation period. This season 38 were supervised for
an eleven weeks' period.

Eighty-three industrial and commercial firms were members of the
industrial division, participating in the all-year sport and social cal-
endar.

Average total weekly attendance for all recreation units throughout
the year was 120,000 persons.

General maintenance and special repair work of buildings and
grounds included the repaving of several tennis and basketball courts,
as well as play areas, and the regrading of all baseball diamonds as
needed. An advanced floodlighting system is being installed at Funston
•Playground in anticipation of the evening activities of men stationed
at the Presidio, and to meet the demand for night games in the Marina
district.

The weekly bulletin announcing department activities, and for-
merly mimeographed, has now been issued in new printed form.
There is an established mailing list of 1,500. This four-page publica-
tion has increased the public interest in the service offered.

The municipal recreation camp at Mather for city residents reached
its guest capacity this year. The greater part of the season was sold
out before the opening of camp. The construction of a new water-supply
system located entirely upon city-owned property was installed and
was nearing completion at the end of the fiscal year. Elimination of
the danger of contaminated water supply was also accomplished
through the installation of a chlorinator. Working drawings for a
large social hall at camp where vacationists may enjoy evening recre-
ation were completed. Establishment of this proposed structure will re-
lieve the awkward situation in which the dining room is converted into
a social hall between meal hours.

A survey of the department's accounts and records was undertaken
by the office of the Controller and a new program developed in which
the departmental accounting procedures and forms were revised.
The new program recommended by the Controller's office has been
placed in effective operation.

New regulations governing employment at camp have increased the
efficiency of the personnel and have more equitably distributed the
work for camp attendants.

The fourth season of Sigmund Stern Grove Midsummer Musicals
began on June 15, 1941. These free concerts present excellent musical
talent, a variety of programs, and were attended to Grove capacity.
Fifteen concerts had an average attendance of 6,000 per Sunday.

The playground at Ninth Avenue and Ortega Street, formerly known
as Ortega Playground, was renamed the John P. Murphy Playground
in honor of the late John P. Murphy, former Recreation Commissioner
and beloved civic leader.

A more detailed account of the department's activities is to be found
in the annual report of the Commission for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1941.

City Planning Commission

In the annual report concerning the affairs of this department as
submitted for the year 1940 was expressed the hope that sufficient
monies would be appropriated in the budget of the department for the
fiscal year 1940-41 to permit commencement of studies toward the
making of a Master Plan for the physical development of the city and
county. The Commission is pleased to report that this hope has been,
in part, realized and by the providing of funds requested the actual

( 52)

work of preparing the Master Plan is now under way. In this con-
nection, the services of a city planning consultant have heen con-
tracted for whereby the consultant will aid and advise the local plan-
ning staff in the preparation of the plan.

Since the commencement of work, the staff of the department has
been increased — some additional equipment and enlargement of work-
ing space has been provided. It appears a proper time to point out
the invaluable information, consisting of reports, surveys and other
pertinent data heretofore collected, that is being utilized and analyzed
in connection with the work. Surveys and reports that have been, on
numerous occasions, referred to as "just another report" for the city
archives are being minutely perused and use will be made of their
contents.

Complete cooperation is manifested to date, and continued coopera-
tion has been assured by all agencies of the municipal government in
the Master Plan undertaking. Exhaustive study and consideration is
being given to the end that legislation will be enacted by the legisla-
tive body putting into the plan itself necessary mandatory provisions
for its achievement and ultimate fulfillment.

The following is a resume of Commission ordinary routine activities:
A total of 122 applications for changes in zoning classification were
filed during the first eleven months of the year 1941. Of this total,
80 applications were approved, 18 disapproved, 9 withdrawn and 15 were
awaiting action at the time of this report. In addition to the consid-
eration of applications for the reclassification of properties, some 20
requests for changes, establishment or abolishment of building set-
back lines were considered and disposed of. These figures, as com-
pared with similar activities reported for last year, indicate a slight
decrease due unquestionably to the inability of builders and real
estate operators to secure building materials, and the National De-
fense program.

In compliance with Section 24 of the Charter, all licenses and per-
mits issued by the various licensing departments of the municipal
government have been cleared through the office as to compliance with
the zoning ordinance. A great number of such permits (7,942 for the
first eleven months of 1941) are transmitted to this office by the Central
Permit Bureau, and consist entirely of building permits for new con-
struction and alterations to existing buildings. In addition to building
permits, all licenses issued by the Tax Collector's Office, Department
of Health, Police Department and the Fire Department have been ex-
amined by this office and cleared, prior to their issuance by the re-
spective departments. This particular phase of the Commission's activ-
ity has brought about a very noticeable decrease in enforcement duties
as are imposed by the zoning ordinance upon the various enforcing
agencies; and in addition has eliminated, to a large extent, citizen
complaints to this office.

The WPA Citywide Mapping Project, sponsored by the Commission,
has as yet not completed its work, as had been anticipated and men-
tioned in this department's report for last year. This is due to the fact
that for a considerable part of the year the project had been closed
down. About two months ago the project was reopened and the work
is being diligently prosecuted and in the matter of a few months
should be entirely completed. The Commission is receiving weekly
several hundred prints of the block maps as they are completed. This
information will not alone be valuable in the work of this department,
but will also be found of value by the Assessor, Fire Department, De-
partment of Public Works, Water Department and other municipal
agencies concerned with the physical development of the city.

In the matter of subdivision control, the Commission has reported
on six subdivisions in 1941 and presently proposes to submit ordinances
to the Board of Supervisors for legislative action limiting the size and
area of lots in certain undeveloped sections of the city. If this legisla-

(53 )

tion be approved, we. for the first time, will have legislative authority
for the limiting of lot sizes in new subdivisions.

Board of Permit Appeals

The Board of Permit Appeals is comparable to the Small Claims
Court, inasmuch as appeals can be taken from the various departments
and commissions having granting and revoking power with regard
to permits and licenses, without any cost whatever. There are five
members appointed to sit as an Appellate Court with regard to per-
mits and licenses, although the members of this Board are laymen.

On numerous occasions appeals were taken wherein a permit was
denied due to a minor infraction of the law. In certain instances
methods were suggested by which minor changes could be made, to
conform with the law, and the permit could then be granted.

As an example of the benefits which have accrued to the citizens of
San Francisco from the decision of this Board, the case of a plant
wishing to invest one million dollars in a structure and employing
several hundred men is cited. Construction was stopped on this
plant due to a minor infraction of the building code. Through the
medium of this Board, an adjustment was made, satisfactory to all
concerned.

Another example was the case of a large structure on Market Street,
to which another floor was to be added. Due to a minor infraction of
the building code, work was stopped on this project. At the request
of the Executive Office of the President of the United States, this
Board, in view of the present emergency, took this matter under con-
sideration and brought both parties to a legal solution, agreeable to
the Executive Office of the President.

There are many examples of small neighborhood projects, as well
as large industrial and commercial projects, which have been adjusted
to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. During the year, 102 ap-
peals were heard. These were taken from actions by the following
officials and departments:

Fire Department, 3; Health Department, 4; Department of Public
Works, 81; Police Department, 13; Tax Collector, 1. Rehearings
granted, 5; pending, 7.

It is the aim of this department to dispose of causes before it as
rapidly as possible. As in the past, the utmost diligence was pursued
in 1941.

War Memorial

The San Francisco War Memorial, consisting of the Veterans' Build-
ing, the Opera House and the Art Museum, is considered the most
outstanding memorial to deceased veterans in the Nation.

San Francisco's Opera House, opened on October 15, 1932, is the only
municipally owned building of its kind in the United States. The
ever-increasing use of all the facilities has developed to such a degree
that the Opera House is now accepted by the world of culture as being
the most outstanding structure in the United States devoted to the
presenation of grand opera, symphonies, ballets, concerts and various
other cultured activities. It is estimated that over a half million per-
sons attended the 141 attractions presented in 1941.

The Opera House also had its place in the National Defense pro-
gram. Programs were presented to the citizens by the United States
Army, various other agencies and the Council of Civilian Defense.
The presentation of the "Wizard of Ord" by the Seventh Division,
United States Army, will long be remembered.

This structure has housed and encouraged the continued existence
of the San Francisco Opera Association. San Francisco has received
tremendous publicity by reason of the worldwide circulation of the
Opera Association's announcements of grand opera and concerts.

(54)

The San Francisco Symphony Association annually presents a regu-
lar series of symphonies. The acoustics of the Opera House are so
perfect that these symphonies equally are enjoyed by all attending; in
fact, the seats at the highest elevation are oftentimes deemed most
desirable.

San Francisco high schools, the Junior College and the University
of San Francisco have found the use of the Opera House fitting and
proper for the holding of their graduation exercises. The presentation
of noted lecturers and speakers from all parts of the world is another
use which is made of the Opera House.

The use of the Art Museum, located on the fourth floor of the Vet-
erans' Building, has rapidly increased. The art displays are varied
and are advantageously displayed because of the highly efficient light-
ing arrangement.

The Veterans' Building, undeniably the finest and most practical
structure for that purpose in the world, was built in memory of the
World War dead and equipped to serve those ex-service men and
women who have served in the armed forces of their country. The
facilities of this building include offices, meeting halls, clubrooms
and auditorium, and are continually used by approximately 175 organ-
izations of veteran groups. During the current year numerous classes
in first aid work, under the direction of the American Red Cross, were
sponsored by the various veteran organizations in this building. Many
other programs of National Defense importance were presented. Reg-
istrations of volunteers for the Civilian Defense units and the United
States Army Interceptor Command have been conducted in this build-
ing. Its facilities have been used by the United States Navy in the re-
cruiting program, on many occasions. The total annual attendance in
this building is conservatively estimated at one-half million. The War
Memorial represents a total investment as a capital asset of $6,250,000.
The buildings are of modern construction, incorporating many intri-
cate mechanical conveniences in operation. Because of these facilities
it is necessary that the personnel be of a highly specialized type whose
duty it is to keep in full operating efficiency all services provided for
the comfort of the attending public.

The War Memorial is operated under the direction of the Board of
Trustees of the War Memorial through its managing director, as set by
ordinance.

The President of the Board during 1941 was Mr. Ramsay Moran.

Art Commission

Nature has endowed San Francisco with a lavish hand. And man has
built on Nature's gift with intuitive haphazardry, until the intangible
thing that is San Francisco's fascination is universally conceded. Ugli-
nesses that have crept in are forgiven. But as years go on, bringing
maturity, her beauty must stand scrutiny for perfection of detail. It
is then that her music, her public buildings, her statuary, her museums,
her artistic and cultural achievements must meet the test.

Most of the larger cities of the United States have delegated matters
of public taste to an art commission which passes upon all public
buildings, artistic acquisitions, and serves as an arbiter in all mat-
ters of the aesthetic welfare of the municipality.

Ten years ago, with the establishment of the new charter, the Art
Commission came into existence. This group of artists, musicians,
architects, litterateurs and laymen of distinction has given time, study
and consideration to the artistic and cultural welfare of the com-
munity.

It will be recalled that at first the San Francisco Art Commission
was considered experimental. I am sure that it has been demonstrated
its responsibility in art and music is no longer the haphazard, indefi-
nite thing evident before it was brought into being.

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During the last year rigid supervision of all works of art, placed in
parks, squares and buildings which belong to San Francisco, as well
as the architecture and alteration of public buildings, continued under
the rigid supexwision of the Commission. The average layman does not
realize that not even a lamp post can be erected on city property until
its design has been approved. The submissions, considered and acted
upon by this board, have ranged from an inscription on a flag to the
approach of the San Francisco Bay Bridge and the city's participation
in the Golden Gate International Exposition.

During the administration of the Art Commission, through the
efforts of J. Emmet Hayden, Chairman of the Music Committee, the
tax subsidy to maintain the famed San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
was established, and San Francisco was the first city in America to
subsidize a symphony orchestra by public mandate.

Last year saw the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Art Commis-
sion, five years ago: "Good music within the reach of all."

The net income of receipts derived by the Art Commission has in-,
creased from $6,327 in 1935 to $35,000 in 1941. I believe this record
speaks for itself.

In these days of unrest, anxiety and sacrifice, we turn to the morale
and spiritual inspiration that music alone affords. That was the duty
of the Art Commission to provide. The members upheld their respon-
sibility ably.

What to do about concerts ir view of the war and the threatened
blackouts was quickly settled by the Commission on the night of De-
cember 16, 1941. It opened its Symphony Series as had been scheduled,
and six thousand people came to the Auditorium and cheered.

M. H. De Young Memorial Museum

The de Young Museum had a very good year. The total attendance
through December 15th was 619,063, that is, an increase of 72,560 over
the corresponding period in 1940.

Outstanding among exhibitions was the great exhibition, "The Paint-
ing of France Sine1 the French Revolution," obtained through the
cooperation of the French government, held from the middle of De-
cember, 1940, to the middle of January, 1941, which, after a spectacular
success in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, is now hav-
ing a second showing at the museum. Separately shown during the
summer months was an important collection of drawings and water
colors of the 19th and 20th centuries which had been part of the original
group of French masterworks displayed in South America but which
had not reached us in time for the first showing of the paintings.

Other shows of special significance were retrospective exhibitions
of the works of the American painters George Grosz (March-April) and
George Biddle (July-August) ; European and American Costumes and
Accessories from 900 to 1900; two exhibitions of ancient Chinese art,
the first lent by Mr. Jan Kleijkamp of New York and the second as-
sembled from the collections of Mr. A. G. Voute, Mr. Eric Mayell, Mr.
Oscar Gerson and other bay region collectors.

Additional exhibitions included Photographs from the Print Clinic;
Lithographs by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec; Paintings, Drawings and
Water Colors by Man Ray; Contemporary Batiks by Missouri Artists;
Javanese Batiks from the Templeton Crocker Collection ; Photographs —
Southern California Council of Camera Clubs; Photographs by John
Gutmann; Native Arts of the Philippine Islands; Photographs of the
B-19 by Lawrence Kronquist; "Cries of London" Engravings after the
Paintings by Francis Wheatley; Color Prints by Louis Bonnet; Paint-
ings of Asiatic Costumes by the Vicomtesse dAumale, supplemented
by original costumes; Monthly Exhibitions for the Blind and Flower
Arrangements by Students of Web Allen.

In May the museum opened its new "Hall of Arms" which gives in an

(56)

attractive and instructive display a survey of six centuries of man's
weapons from all parts of the world. The exhibit was favorably com-
mented upon by leaders of our armed forces and in view of the present
situation of our country has taken on additional significance.

Among the acquisitions during the year were a "Portrait of a Girl
in Peasant Costume," by the 17th century Neapolitan painter, Massimo
Stanzione, and a "Woman's Portrait" by the 17th century Venetian
painter, Gerolamo Forabosco, both donated by Mr. Archer M. Hunt-
ington. Several fine paintings (among them, works by Vigee-Lebrun,
Rosa Bonheur, Fortuny and others) and pieces of antique furniture,
porcelain, ancient weapons and jewelry were donated to the museum
by the family of the late Mr. de Young at the occasion of the disman-
tling of the old de Young house of California Street. Likewise, the
Oriental collections of the museum were considerably enriched by
quantities of Chinese and Japanese art objects received through the
will of the late Mr. Albert Bender, who for many years had already
been a constant benefactor of the museum. Other donations included
a collection of Kashmir shawls, gift of Miss Florence Olmsted; two
early American miniatures and costumes, gift of Miss Emily F.
Tucker; costumes and accessories, gift of Mrs. Philip Bancroft; a cos-
tume worn by Rosa Bonheur, gift of Miss Anna E. Klumpke; an ex-
quisite wood carving of the "Lamentation of Christ," German, early
16th century, and a Dutch armoire of the 17th century, both gifts of
the M. H. de Young Endowment Fund.

An acquisition of tremendous importance is the Monastery "Santa
Maria de Ovila" — or, rather, the complete set of thousands of carved
stones which originally made up its various buildings — donated to the
museum by Mr. William Randolph Hearst. The material is now stored
either inside or outside the museum and is carefully protected against
all hazards. It is to be hoped that in the not too distant future the
beautiful monastery will be erected to become undoubtedly not only one
of the greatest cultural and artistic monuments but also one of the
most spectacular tourist attractions of the entire country.

Last summer the museum started the publication of the "Pacific Art
Review," a richly illustrated art magazine containing articles on the
treasures of the museum as well as other topics written by members
of the staff and nationally known scholars. The first two issues have
been enthusiastically welcomed everywhere and the future prospects
of this magazine, which fills a long-felt need, appear very favorable.

In accordance with a resolution passed at the outbreak of the war
by the leading museums of the country following an explicit wish of
the President of the United States, the de Young Museum, fully aware
.of its important function within the community for the strengthening
of public morale, plans instead of curtailing, rather to increase its activ-
ities, especially in the educational field. With regard to the collections,
it was further resolved at the recent meeting of American art directors
in New York, which the Director of the de Young Museum attended,
that no evacuation of material should be undertaken at this time. How-
ever, the individual institutions were urged to prepare everything nec-
essary for removing speedily their most irreplaceable treasures to
places of greater safety in an emergency, and the Government was
asked to advise the museums through the National Gallery in Wash-
ington if and when the military situation required that such special
precautions be taken.

California Palace of the Legion of Honor

The California Palace of the Legion of Honor has enjoyed a remark-
ably successful year. Attendance at the museum during 1941 exceeded
200,000 — a gratifying increase over that of 1940. Stimulating loan ex-
hibitions presented each month, important additions to the permanent
collections, and an intensive educational program have been largely
responsible for these encouraging attendance figures.

(57 )

Among the loan exhibtions of the past twelve months, three warrant
special comment. These were: Exhibition of Italian Baroque Paint-
ing, the most comprehensive show of its kind ever held in this country,
which comprised 120 examples of the work of the outstanding masters
of the 17th and 18th centuries borrowed from leading public and pri-
vate collections: Masterpieces of English Portaiture from the collec-
tion of the late Edward T. Stotesbury: and Miniature Rooms by Mrs.
James Ward Thorne. These shows were accorded an unusually enthu-
siastic reception.

Other exhibitions favorably received included the following: Old
Master Drawings from the collection of LeRoy M. Backus: Paintings
by Constance Richardson; Oils, Watercolors and Prints by Luigi Luci-
oni; 6th Annual Exhibtion of the California Watercolor Society; Un-
commissioned Portraits; Sculpture. Drawings and Prints by Ernst
Barlach (circulated by the Museum of Modern Art); English Color
Prints; Watercolors by Winslow Homer from the collection of Mrs.
Charles R. Henschel: Paintings by Manuel J. Tolegian; "American
Humor in Art" (original cartoons lent by Esquire Magazine); 13
Watercolorists; Paintings by Hari Kidd; Bronzes and Drawings by
Arthur Putnam; Watercolors by Edgar Bohlman; Illustrations and
Caricatures by Arthur Szyk; Oils, Watercolors and Drawings by Daniel
Rhodes; Paintings by Bessie Lasky; Watercolors by Edward Johan-
son and Richard Allman; Photographs of Bali by Philip Hanson Hiss;
Animals in Art; Exhibition of Paintings and Sculpture sponsored by
the Society for Sanity in Art; Photographs of the Madonna and Child
by George E. Stone; three exhibitions of 19th century American wood
engraving entitled "History in the Making," "Manners and Modes of
Yesterday" and "Days of Real Sport" (assembled by the American
National Committee of Engraving ) ; The Work of Children in the
Saturday Morning Classes; and "Time and the Monuments." a Deco-
rative Mural with Preliminary Sketches by Eugene Berman.

In the course of the year notable additions were made to the Mildred
Anna Williams Collection. A generous bequest of the late Mrs. H. K. S.
Williams enabled the museum to acquire four outstanding master-
pieces: "Peasants Before Their House," by Louis Le Nain (1593-1648) ;
"Portrait of Mrs. Fitzherbert" by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788):
"Portrait of Giulio Gilardi" by Giovanni Battista Moroni (1510/25-
1578); "Lord Seaham as a Boy" by Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830).
Mr. H. K. S. Williams further enriched the collection bearing his wife's
name by presenting the following paintings: "Still Life with Musical
Instruments" by Bartolommeo Bettera (1639-1699); "Portrait of the
Artist's Son" by Louis Leopold Boilly (1761-1845); "View on the River
Meuse" by Eugene Boudin (1824-1898); "Harbor Scene" by Jan Brue-
ghel, the Elder (156S-1625) ; "The Artist's Daughter" by Emile Carolus-
Duran (1838-1917); "Portrait of a Lady" by Thomas Couture (1815-
1879) ; "Still Life with Dog" by Jan Fyt (1611-1661) ; "Landscape with
Washerwoman" by Meindert Hobbema (1638-1709); "Cupid's Offering"
by Adolphe Monticelli (1S24-1886) ; "Landscape at Sunset" by Aert van
der Neer (1603-1677); "Portrait of the Duchess of Argyll and Hamil-
ton" by Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792); "Latona and the Frogs" by
David Teniers, the Younger (1610-1690); "Grand Canal. Venice" by
Felix Ziem (1821-1911).

Mr. Gordon Blanding presented to the City and County of San Fran-
cisco, for display at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, his
collection of paintings, numbering eleven canvases by William Keith
(1S39-1911), noted California painter, and representative works by
Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902), J. Wenglein (active second half of the
19th century), Lorenzo Latimer (1857-1941), and Eugene Verboeck-
hoven (1798-1881). Additions to the museum's already fine collection
of the work of the great French sculptor, Auguste Rodin (1840-1917),
were made by Mrs. Alma Spreckels Awl.

An illustrated guide to the permanent collections of the museum
is now in preparation and should be available for distribution shortly

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after the first of the year. This publication will be followed by a
regular bulletin devoted to the activities of the museum.

Through the agency of a WPA project involving the expenditure of
about $40,000, the lower floor of the museum was extensively remod-
eled during 1941. Alterations included the construction of six new
exhibition galleries in the south wing, the transfer of administrative
offices to the north wing of the lower floor, and the creation of a library,
together with quarters for the museum photographer and technical
department. These improvements have increased exhibition space at
the museum by approximately 30 per cent and have made possible the
more efficient dispatch of administrative functions.

More than 20,000 persons, or 10 per cent of the total attendance for
the year, availed themselves of the extensive educational activities
which are offered free of charge at the California Palace of .the Legion
of Honor. In addition to regular gallery tours and special lectures in
connection with permanent and loan exhibits, these activities included
weekly art courses for adults, special discussion groups for colleges,
schools, clubs, and other organizations, Saturday morning classes for
children, Saturday afternoon motion picture programs, radio broad-
casts, and week-end organ concerts.

In conclusion, it seems fitting to say a few words on the subject of
the part which the museum will be called upon to play under the con-
ditions brought about by the drastic developments of the past few
weeks. At a recent meeting of American museum directors in New
York, convoked for the express purpose of discussing this problem, it
was resolved that the museums of this country should now, more than
ever, continue their service to the public, doing everything in their
power to sustain public morale. Experience has proved that, in times
of stress and anxiety such as these, people instinctively fall back on
what may be termed their "natural resources" — instinctively cling to
and appreciate those things which do not change. In that category
the museum surely belongs, for, in the sense that it constantly affords a
place for the study and appreciation of beauty, a museum does not
change, however varied may be its program of activities. With this
thought in mind, it is the intention of the California Palace of the Le-
gion of Honor to function ■ as usual, meanwhile taking all possible
measures necessary to safeguard the museum and its contents during
the present emergency.

San Francisco Museum

Conditions of emergency since December 7 have somewhat affected
attendance, causing an abrupt drop even for this time of year, which is
normally quiet, during the first two days, with a gradual resumption
of almost the normal level thereafter.

This museum has carried on its normal activities, even at night, since
the outbreak of war, taking care simply to organize its staff into an
air raid precautions unit on the pattern of those on duty in museums
of Britain, and conforming carefully to blackout with provision for
caring for visitors during such periods. Fortunately, the director was
in attendance at the professional meetings of the American Association
of Art Museum Directors last May when procedure, precautions, and
policy for just such an event were thoroughly discussed, and the opin-
ion and advice of national and local governmental authorities con-
cerned were conveyed to the members. Thanks to this preparation,
organization was complete on Tuesday, December 9, and functioned
during the blackout of the preceding evening, and with perfection on
the following Friday.

In accord with announced policy, the museum has carried on and
plans to maintain and even to increase appropriate aspects of its func-
tions for the purpose of contributing to morale and to furnish that
recall to the eternal values of civilization which people need more than
ever in times of such tragedy as the present. Due measures have been

( 59 )

taken to safeguard collections, meanwhile. Plans for intensifying the
announced 1942 program of learning more about Latin American
countries through their art are being pushed even more vigorously
— for this impulse to understanding becomes more urgent in these
times.

Many members of the staff have registered for Civilian Defense in
addition to their regular work. Some have already been called to
the armed forces and others have entered defense work. We plan to
hold open the positions of any members called to the Army and Navy
who wish to return after the war.

During 1941, special defense work undertaken by the museum in-
cluded increased recreational and cultural activities and special invi-
tations to share in them extended to men in the services. Also during
the early months of 1941 the Director, Dr. Grace McCann Morley, was
lent to the Council of National Defense, office of the Coordinator of
Inter-American Affairs, to carry out a special mission in arranging art
exhibitions of North American painting in countries of Latin America.
She also served on the Advisory Committee on Art of the Division of
Cultural Relations of the Department of State in Washington, advising
on similar projects, and has been reappointed for the year 1941-1942.

The approximate general attendance for 1941, despite "blackouts," is
120,000.

The "educational" attendance — that is, people who came to attend
some special activity — is for 1941 approximately 27,000. More than
7,500 children attended special activities for them.

At the end of the year over 120 exhibitions of many types, includ-
ing contemporary painting, sculpture, prints, drawings, photography,
and decorative arts, were presented, furnishing a very complete survey
of the contemporary developments in the arts and related activities.

Of special interest were the Rouault, Murals of 28 States, Architecture
of the Bay Region, Paul Klee, Pictures at Work, Artists of the Upper
Mississippi, and the three ail-American Annuals of the San Francisco
Art Association.

Museum activities and notices of art activities in line of duty by
staff members occupied more than 4,500 iirehes of space in newspapers
outside of San Francisco during the year. More than 1,200 inches were
given to it in periodicals of national circulation during the same
period — advertising of San Francisco's cultural leadership which is
of the highest value in bringing appreciation of the city's position in
the country.

The active service of the museum to the community was greatly ex-
panded during 1941, in programs and activities, especially of a nature
to stimulate participation, for example the motion picture as art, the
photo form, and so forth.

San Francisco Public Library

The following is a summary of the more important activities of the
Library Department for the year 1941.

Through the year there was an enrollment of 42,803 cardholders.
This amount brings the total registration to 141,062 as against 140,213
for last year.

The budget amounted to $440,908, which is an increase of $34,433
over the previous year, and the book fund amounted to $67,300, which
is also an increase of $9,300.

I approved of the automatic increases for the staff as submitted and
I also approved of one third of the amount originally requested for
increases for the other members of the staff.

The library system consists of the main library in the Civic
Center; twenty-one branch libraries, twelve of which are in perma-
nent buildings owned by the library, eight are in rented stores, and a

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business branch in the Russ Building. Five deposit stations supply
reading material to the outlying districts. Unfortunately, no provision
could be made in the budget for extensions to the branch system in
spite of the fact that the North Beach and Marina districts have been
making strong appeals for adequate library facilities.

The complete inventory of the main library and twenty-one branches
was taken and all necessary and desirable missing material was re-
placed. The collection now numbers 532,074 volumes. This amount
does not include thousands of unbound pamphlets or the Max Kuhl
and Phelan memorial collections.

Like most public libraries throughout the country, a decrease in
the circulation of recreational reading was reported although the ref-
erence and research departments were busier than they have been in
some time. There has been an increased demand for technical books
traceable to the National Defense program. Books on chemistry, ship-
building and allied subjects are in constant use. The librarians have
been in conference with the Army and Navy librarians in order to
cooperate in supplying recreational reading as well as technical mate-
rial to the men in the service.

The circulation of books for home reading was 3,535,355 volumes.
This amount does not include the large number of books used in the
various reading and reference rooms of the library. It is estimated
that if this amount were included it would bring the total to over
9,000,000 volumes.

Extensive improvements and renovations have been completed on
the main library and branches. The buildings and rooms are in much
better condition than they have been for many years. New shelves for
sheet music and orchestral scores have been installed in the Music
Room. These improvements, together with the new piano in the sound-
proof room, add much to the comfort of the patrons as well as to the
efficiency of the staff.

There has been a steady and continuous use made of the new Bernal
and West Portal branch buildings. The grounds in front of the Bernal
Branch have been improved and the playground in the rear has been
completed.

Many rooms at the main library and branches are being used by the
local Red Cross for classes in first aid and all the library buildings are
held in readiness to be used in case of emergency.

In conjunction with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, I again de-
clared November 11th to 16th as Public Library Week. Appropriate
exhibits were held in the main library and branches. Librarians gave
talks before clubs and P.-T. organizations as well as over the radio
calling attention to the facilities of the library. Classes from all the
schools made regular trips through the main library and branches and
were instructed in the use of the library. These visits were invaluable
in training the pupils as well as aiding the teacher and librarian.

A number of exhibitions and lectures were held in the main exhibit
room during the year. One of the most outstanding was the exhibition
of Fifty Books of the Year sponsored by the American Institute of
Graphic Arts. This exhibit was held simultaneously with similar ones
in Eastern cities. The Rounce and Coffin Club also sponsored an ex-
hibition of Western Books. Both exhibitions attracted a large number of
visitors. Many lectures were also held in the assembly hall. Among the
most popular were the ones given under the auspices of the Academy
of Sciences, the Poetry Society and the Audubon Society.

On January 1, 1942, the library staff will be under the Civil Service
Commission and all future appointments and examinations will be
through this commission. Recognition should be made to the Library
Commission for the excellent manner in which it made appointments
and conducted examinations during the past many years.

A large number of gifts were received during the year. The late
Commissioner Albert M. Bender presented a number of rare items to the

(61)

Max Kuhl collection and Commissioner R. B. Hale, who has since re-
signed from the Commission, also presented a valuable and interesting
collection of books from his private library. Mr. Hale was a member
of the Commission since August, 1907.

Mr. Henry Dippel, Jr., was appointed to the Library Commission
to succeed Congressman Rolph and Mr. Nat Schmulowitz was appointed
to succeed Mr. Albert M. Bender.

Once again I wish to thank the library staff sincerely for its unfailing
courtesy and efficiency.

San Francisco Law Library

The Law Library, nationally known and recognized as one of the
most complete and well balanced collections of legal material in the
land, continues its development and expansion under the management
of Robert C. Owens, the librarian.

Originally a private corporation, the library became the property
of the City and County in 1868 when it consisted of 2,000 volumes. By
1906, 48,000 volumes had been accumulated. All were lost in the fire.
Completely reorganized and rebuilt during the ensuing years, the
library now has on its shelves 112,450 volumes, 2,200 of which were ac-
quired during the past year.

The collection includes text books, statutes, reported decisions, en-
cyclopedic works and legal periodicals of federal, state and foreign
jurisdictions.

It is of particular interest that the legal departments of the United
States Army and Navy and federal governmental and administrative
agencies are extensively availing themselves of the service and mate-
rial afforded by the law library? and that its facilities are proving of
inestimable value during the present national emergency.

Chief Administrative Officer

The Chief Administrative Officer is held by the charter responsible
to the Mayor and to the Board of Supervisors for the supervision of
nine departments of government, for administration of the publicity
and advertising fund and for coordinating the functions of the several
departments charged with powers and duties relating to control of
traffic.

The departments under the Chief Administrative Officer have been
brought under closer supervision during the past year with a view
to greater efficiency, interdepartmental cooperation and economy. This
has been accomplished through inspections, reports and conferences.
Policies concerning hours of work and courtesy and efficient service
to the public have been conveyed to department heads in writing.

Departments under the Chief Administrative Officer are Health,
Public Works, Purchasing, Real Estate, Electricity, Finance and Rec-
ords, Coroner, Weights and Measures, and Horticutural Commissioner.
The Department of Finance and Records includes the offices of County
Clerk, Registrar of Voters. Recorder, Tax Collector, and Public Ad-
ministrator. Operations of departments under the Chief Administrative
Officer are covered in separate reports.

Further progress has been made in directing publicity and adver-
tising expenditures to programs and activities that promote good will
for the city and encourage businesses, industries and visitors to come
to San Francisco.

Traffic problems that involve different departments of government
have been handled through the Street Traffic Advisory Board, which
meets regularly under the chairmanship of the Chief Administrative
Officer.

On the recommendation of the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors
placed the Chief Administrative Officer in charge of the city's WPA

( 62)

program, effective July 1, 1941. In administering this program the
Chief Administrative Officer has directed his efforts toward weeding
out the less worthwhile projects and using this reservoir of relief
labor to accomplish the most possible for the city.

As defense industries have taken up more and more of the labor
slack there has been a trend since July 1 toward fewer eligibles for
WPA jobs and toward even greater reemployment in private industry or
by the Government. This trend promises soon to lead to a point
where a minimum residue of employable needy, consisting mainly of
persons not greatly desired in private employment, will remain for
use in the WPA program.

The change of the country from a defense to war status caused a
heavy strain of preparations for civilian defense to be placed on this
office and on several departments under the Chief Administrative Of-
ficer. The Health Department, Department of Public Works and De-
part of Electricity particularly have been called upon for emergency
defense work and preparations. These preparations for emergency were
well under way by the year-end so that a lessening of the strain of
getting ready to meet contingencies was in sight, though the necessity
of remaining constantly on the alert will remain during the whole of
the war emergency.

The demands of war industries for personnel have made it difficult
to obtain city employees in some classifications. This difficulty has
been felt particularly by the Department of Public Health and the De-
partment of Public Works. The situation has been met in so far as
possible by requests to the Mayor for declarations of emergency exempt-
ing certain classifications from the charter limit of ninety days for
temporary appointments. The Mayor and the Civil Service Commis-
sion have cooperated.

It is a sad duty to report the death of Alfred J. Cleary early in the
"calendar year. Mr. Cleary was the first Chief Administrative Officer
under the present charter. He assumed office in January, 1932, when
the then new charter became effective. He died February 16, 1941. The
entire city mourned his passing and paid tribute in public services to
his memory.

Mr. Cleary was succeeded on February 20, 1941, by Thomas A. Brooks,
through appointment by the Mayor. Mr. Brooks for nine years had
served as the city's Purchaser of Supplies and as such had been head
of the Purchasing Department under the Chief Administrative Officer.
Mr. Brooks, on February 25, appointed Horace W. Kephart, who had
been his chief assistant, as Purchaser of Supplies.

The city government incurred another heavy loss when Mr. Kephart
died on September 29. He was succeeded by William C. Hubner, drafted
from the ranks of private business for the position. Mr. Hubner took
office on November 17.

Department of Public Health

The activities of the San Francisco Department of Public Health
associated with national defense were stimulated to wartime regime
by the Pearl Harbor episode of December 7, 1941, and subsequent
events.

In many ways the peace-time routine functions of the Health De-
partment such as care of accident cases, hospitalization of those un-
able to provide for themselves, protection control of food, milk, and
water supplies, suppression and control of disease, special nutrition
studies of the community's needs, supervision of hospitals, clinics,
boarding homes and nurseries, the problem of garbage control, elimi-
nation of sub-standard housing, public health laboratory control work,
inspection supervision of plumbing activities, the well baby center
conferences and the maternity division work — now assume a magnified
importance during wartime.

(63 )

It is neither appropriate nor of value at this time to list accomplish-
ments of the Health Department for the year 1941 in detail. Rather may
we present a few highlights which appear to be pertinent:

(1) Division of Statistics records for 1941 will show three particu-
larly enocuraging trends, namely, a very distinct rise in the birth rate,
a death rate slightly less than in 1940, and an estimated infant mortality
rate reaching an all-time low of approximately 27.3 per 1,000 live births.
Estimates based on eleven months of 1941 indicate that all major dis-
eases are at a very low level, with mortality from acute diseases at a
correspondingly low figure.

(2) Since rodents play such a prominent role in spreading disease
during and following war or general disaster, new and additional rat
surveys have been conducted continuously since July 1 of this year.

(3) Rigid inspection of milk production and distribution the entire
food production and storage system, as well as the water storage and
distribution services has been in continuous operation.

(4) Housing control work resulting in elimination of 65 sub-standard
structures and rehabilitation of many others has been carried out dur-
ing the year.

(5) Our Public Health Laboratory has made from 12,000 to 15,000 ex-
aminations monthly, which are of invaluable assistance in the control
of disease, food and water supplies.

(6) The Emergency Hospital System made 36,000 ambulance calls
and treated 76,000 patients. It has also assisted in advanced Red Cross
training course instruction.

(7) Over 9,000 certified copies of birth certificates have been issued,
thus assisting men and women entering defense industries and the
armed forces.

(8) In our institutions, the San Francisco Hospital, Laguna Honda
Home and Hassler Health Home, the recent war activities have re-
sulted in the evacuation of certain roof wards and the transfer of cer-
tain other patients in order to make every preparation for handling
a maximum number of patients in case of necessity. A delivery room
has been prepared in the basement of our Maternity Building. Addi-
tional cases from the San Francisco Tuberculosis Hospital have been
transferred to Hassler Health Home located near Redwood City.

Employees are organized into teams for rendering every assistance
in the protection or removal of patients in case of a disaster. Special
precautions have been taken for the protection of buildings, stand-by
lighting service and auxiliary water supply.

(9) Enlargement of the San Francisco Hospital Blood Bank in prep-
aration for emergency purposes.

Defense activities for which specific preparation has been made since
December 7, 1941, include the , following:

(1) Assignment of additional doctors to each of our regular Emer-
gency Hospitals to function in case of disaster.

(2) Selection of locations, equipping, and staffing of first aid and
dressing stations strategically located over the city to be used in case
of a disaster crisis.

(3) Mobilization of some sixty ambulances from private ambulance
companies and mortician establishments to be made available during
an actual emergency.

(4) Close coordination with all private hospitals in the city, the
American Red Cross services, and the Civil Defense Council, with fre-
quent meetings and discussion of plans.

(5) Organization of personnel has been effected making available
those technically trained for first aid and hospital service to be used
as the occasion indicates.

(64)

Health Service System

The Health Service System provided medical care for 7,234 em-
ployees of the City and County and of the Board of Education dur-
ing the 12-month period ending September 30, 1941. This was the third
year of operation of the system.

The average monthly membership of employees was 10,498. Sixty-
nine per cent of the employee-members used the service during the year
— a slight increase over the previous year.

In addition to the employee-members, the system provided coverage
for an average monthly membership of 286 retired members, 3,364
adult dependents and 2,134 minor dependents.

The incidence of illness and cost of providing medical care for
these latter groups exceeded that of employees.

The total disbursement for medical care for all types of subscriber
was $412,393. Of this sum, $269,325 went to the doctors of San Fran-
cisco. Hospitals, laboratories and other agencies of medical care re-
ceived $143,068. The total disbursement for medical service was over
$20,000 more than for the previous year. The increase was due to an
increase in receipts from contributing members and to a decrease in
the portion of the receipts that went for administrative or non-medical
expenses.

The doctors of the professional staff are paid according to a sched-
ule of fees under which each item of service is evaluated by units. The
maximum value of the service unit is $1.00.

The greatest problem facing the Health Service Board is to bring
the value of the service unit as near to the maximum as possible.

As a partial solution, the Board adopted changes in the service in
October of last year. The scope of medical coverage for dependents was
slightly reduced and the rate of contribution for both dependents and
retired members who were 62 years of age and over was increased.
The full effect of these changes has not yet been realized, but indica-
tions are that the rate of payment to the medical profession will be
appreciably higher as a result of the adjustments.

In accordance with provisions of the Charter, the Board is engaged
this month in conducting its annual survey of the experience of the
system. An effort will be made to work out adjustments which will
further increase the rate of payment to the medical profession without
affecting the benefits of the employee-members.

In addition to problems that have arisen from past experience, con-
sideration will be given to the probable effect of the war on operation
of the service.

Department of Public Works

Director A. D. Wilder reports, among many accomplishments in 1941.
the following:

Major Street Construction — Third Street from Mariposa to 23rd
Street, widened, work completed in December, 1941, $130,000; 4th and
Channel Street Bridge reconditioned, $27,000; Oakdale Avenue Sewers
and paving from Patterson to Barneveld Street, work being performed
by WPA, city's sponsorship, $13,000; 25th Avenue, Fulton to El Camino
Del Mar, planing surface of roadway, $3,500; El Camino Del Mar in
Lincoln Park, paving, $4,800. Total work on major streets, $178,300.
Howard Street, including Van Ness Avenue South from the Embarca-
dero to Army Street, is being widened by WPA forces with City and
County sponsorship of $60,000.

Street work on unimproved streets and paid for by assessment against
property owners: Contracts were awarded on 26 different streets
throughout San Francisco, aggregating $166,100.

State Highways Within the Limits of San Francisco — Great Highway.

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protection walls, $67,675; Lombard Street, Van Ness Avenue to Richard-
son Avenue, contract awarded to widen roadway and reconstruct, $338,-
071; 19th Avenue and Park-Presidio Boulevard from Lake Street to
Junipero Serra Boulevard, Traffic signal system and channelization
work south of Sloat Boulevard, $75,000. State highway repairs (mis-
cellaneous), $9,155; 19th Avenue and Holloway intersection, repairs,
$1,893; total, $491,794. O'Shaughnessy Boulevard from Portola Drive,
to Bosworth Street has been sewered and is being paved by the WPA
forces with a sponsorship from the City and County of San Francisco
of $82,000.

Building Construction — New fire house constructed in Holly Park,
$52,661; Juvenile Court Building addition, $26,918; Potrero Hospital
and Police Station, rehabilitation, $35,055; Registrar's Office altera-
tions, $1,416; City Hall, Room 286, alterations, $2,512; City Hall, Traf-
fic Fines Bureau, alterations, $1,251; Aquatic Park rowing club's exte-
rior treatment, $4,970. Total miscellaneous building work, $124,783.

Contracts were awarded for alterations and additions to 28 school '
buildings amounting to $162,800.

Building Construction, Privately Owned — In private building indus-
try, the volume increased approximately 50 per cent over 1940. Issued
were 8,342 building permits for buildings estimated to cost $37,192,637.
The fees covering this work amounted to $136,583.

Street Maintenance Work Performed by City Forces — Approximately
$400,000 was expended during the year on the repair and maintenance
of over 750 miles of paved streets. Nearly $610,000 was expended during
the year for sweeping, washing and flushing of over 750 miles of paved
streets.

Sewers — Approximately $300,000 was expended during the year for
the repairs and maintenance of sewers in over 750 miles of accepted
streets. Plans and specifications have been prepared and bids will be
called in the early part of 1942 for new sewers in various districts esti-
mated to cost $340,000, as well as replacements of existing faulty sewers,
estimated to cost $80,000. This work has been delayed due to inability
to obtain adequate engineering help.

Purchasing Department

Total purchases for the year 1941 amounted to $5,995,582.47, as
against a total of $5,810,021.16 for the year 1940, an increase of $185,-
561.31. Although the increase in the money expended is only nominal in
comparison with the total figures involved, the number of purchase
orders issued increased from 52,285 in 1940 to 61,579 in 1941, an
increase of 17.775%.

The actual operating cost of the department was reduced both as to
the average cost per order and the ratio of the total cost to the total
value of purchase. The latter figures indicate that the Purchasing
Department regards efficiency and economy as prominent considerations
and objectives.

The total of 61,579 purchase orders issued and the separate expendi-
tures for the various departments are summarized below:

General and Miscellaneous, 28,615 orders, $2,728,545.76; Education,
17,156 orders, $942,802.75; Health, 5,649 orders, $908,861.18; Utilities
(other than Water Dept), 5,086 orders, $723,026.45; Water Department,
3,298 orders, $537,891.60; W.P.A., 1,775 orders, $154,454.73.

It will be noted that the Purchasing Department is continuing to do
all purchasing for all departments, commissions, boards and institutions
of the City, and a considerable amount for the Work Projects Ad-
ministration. In addition, this department operates and supervises
repair shops for automotive and mechanical equipment, garages, store-
rooms, warehouses, and a gasoline and oil service station for muni-
cipally-owned automotive equipment. During the past year a reduction
in the cost of operating all of these units has been effected.

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In its control of the City's equipment inventory, this department
has effected many transfers of property and equipment from one de-
partment to another, thus avoiding the necessity for additional pur-
chases.

The Tabulating Division of this department is now handling the
statistical operations of the Traffic Fines Bureau, of the Courts and of
the Police Department, and is at the same time rendering as part of
its regular routine, valuable assistance to many other departments.

The marked change in the operations of all kinds of business and in
the commodity markets throughout the country has had a notable effect
upon the operations of this department, because of the difficulties of
procurement. We are now forced to go far afield for many commodities
which until recently were readily available from many local sources.
This condition, heightened by recent developments in the national
emergency, will undoubtedly increase the work and the scope of the
operations of this department.

It will continue to be the policy of this department to operate with
the highest possible degree of efficiency and at the lowest cost com-
patible with good business procedure.

Department of Electricity

Ralph W. Wiley, Chief of the Department, indicates considerable
activity during 1941, in the Department of Electricity.

Civilian Defense. Eight 15 H.P. electric motor driven sirens, to be
used as air raid warnings, have been installed at the following loca-
tions: Lafayette Square; Roof of Bekins Van & Storage Co., Geary
& Masonic; Roof of George Washington School, 30th & Anza; Roof of
Lincoln School, 24th & Quintara; Twin Peaks; on hill near Lake
View and Orizaba; on hill in McLaren Park, near Alder and Ankenny;
Bernal Heights near Esmeralda and Shotwell. These sirens are
electrically controlled from the Central Fire Alarm Station so as to
give a simultaneous signal from all sirens. In addition to the above,
circuits have been installed to control the siren in the Ferry Building,
the siren on the Third Street Bridge and the siren on the Islais Creek
Bridge. Circuits connecting the Fire Alarm Station with ten sub-
stations of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company were installed to per-
mit simultaneous blackout of all street lights throughout the city.

Fire Alarm System. Installed 19 new fire alarm boxes, making a
total of 1606 boxes now in service. Monthly tests of fire alarm boxes
totaled 19,173; signals transmitted totaled 32,178. Police Boxes. In-
stalled 3 new police boxes, and 84 police call boxes were changed over
from Gamewell to new Department of Electricity type. Two-Way Radio.
Installed new two-way radio system for Police Department. Five re-
ceiving antennas were installed at the following strategic points: on
top KGPD transmitter, Russian Hill, Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Heights
and Bernal Heights. Approximately 20 transmitters installed in cars of
San Francisco Police Department, also one in Police Boat. With money
available in 1941-42 budget, plan to equip cars of the entire department
with two-way radio giving the department one of the finest, most up
to date two-way radio systems in the United States. Radio receiving
sets were maintained and repaired in 123 police cars, 73 motorcycles,
26 fire department cars, 2 fire boats, 1 police boat and 19 police stations
and offices. Teletype system consisting of 17 teletypes and 2 spare
printers, maintained for the Police Department.

Traffic Signals. There are 211 intersections controlled by automatic
traffic signals, which were maintained and repaired by this department.
During the year signals were placed in service at two additional inter-
sections. Street Signs. Installed 195 new street signs, 148 signs re-
paired or replaced. Machine Shop. Manufactured 4 traffic signals, 277
street signs, 27 fire alarm boxes, 86 police panels, 55 police boxes, 24
beacon reflectors, 5 two-way radio panels, 5 remote control cases for
two-way radio, 48 Stop Sign resistance units, 12 radio resistance units,
6 three-way signs for traffic signals, 1 automatic traffic timer, 42 fire

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alarm board line keys, 21 fire alarm board list light holders and 2
Simplex traffic timer control boxes. Cable Installed. New traffic signal
cable installed on Van Ness Avenue from Pacific Avenue to Oak Street.

Inspection Bureau. Received 21,093 applications, approved 18,065 and
67,750 inspections were made. Inspected 13,140 pinball machines,
5,524 phonographs. There were 280 paint spray renewals, 100 new
paint spray applications. Also the necessary inspections were made for
the enforcement of the retail sales ordinance. Inspection fees and
other revenue received totaled $87,712.00.

Inspections of overhead line construction totaled 5938. Total expendi-
tures amounted to $213,305.00.

Real Estate Department

During the year 1941, the Real Estate Department under the Director
of Property purchased lands for various departments of the City and
County of San Francisco, as follows:

Project Parcels Amount
Army Street Widening

Land $41,983, Relocation of Improvements $7,625 4 $ 49,608

Lombard Street Widening

Land and Improvements $249,311, Relocation of Im-
provements $128,582 33 377,893

Portola Drive Widening . 9 43,590

Third Street Widening

Land $4,721, Relocation of Improvements $55,600 4 60,321

Miscellaneous Streets 29 27,434

Aquatic Park 1 23,925

Fleishhacker Playfield 1 18,840

Lafayette Park 1 20,000

McLaren Park 7 9,900

Yacht Harbor 3 56,969

Commodore Stockton School 1 3,000

Grattan Playground 1 6,000

Sigmund Stern Grove ...v 1 5,748

Upper Noe Playground 1 6,750

Sutro Reservoir Site 3 33,881

Cross Town Pipe Line Easement 1 500

Totals 100 $744,359

Twenty parcels of City owned land were sold or traded for the total
sum of $106,458. Nineteen of these parcels will now be subject to
taxation by the City. The remaining parcel, containing 86 acres of
hilly land in San Mateo County lying between Sharp Park and the
City's jail property was sold to the Federal Government to be used
for a United States Coast Guard radio station. About twenty-five build-
ings were sold for the total amount of $15,118, including certain Hetch
Hetchy buildings and railroad track at Livermore, California.

An exchange of lands was concluded definitely fixing the common
boundary lines between the City's Lake Merced lands and the Metro-
politan Life Insurance project on Junipero Serra Boulevard.

About fifteen important leases were negotiated for the Water De-
partment, Recreation Department, Fire Department, Health Depart-
ment, Municipal Railway, District Attorney, Board of Education and
Juvenile Detention Department. Many other month to month leases
were also entered into. The land leased for the Juvenile Detention
Department, known as the Log Cabin Ranch, contains approximately
620 acres, and is located near La Honda in San Mateo County. Build-
ings are being constructed on this ranch property for housing, training
and rehabilitating certain delinquent boys.

In response to a request from the Board of Education, the Director of
Property has prepared a new lease to begin July 1, 1943, for renting the

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Lincoln Building and lot located at the southeast corner of Fifth and
Market Streets, San Francisco, size 275 feet hy 275 feet. The present
lease expires on June 30, 1943. whereupon the improvements become
the property of the City. On August 1, 1941, the Superior Court of San
Francisco concluded that legal title to the property is held by the
San Francisco Unified School District in trust for the City and County
of San Francisco, a municipal corporation. The City now receives
$7,243 per month as ground rental for this property.

The Public Library and the Park Department has just received
about $225,000, as the result of official acceptance of a bequest left to
the City by the late Alfred Fuhrman. This bequest includes various
stocks and cash valued at $135,000 and also real property appraised
at $90,000. The real property includes lands in San Francisco, Mon-
terey, Kern and Fresno Counties. During the past few months con-
siderable income has been derived by the estate from oil wells located
on part of the land in Kern County. In accordance with the City's
Charter, this real property will be managed by the Real Estate De-
partment.

Considerable work was done by the Director of Property in arranging
for moving the offices of the Public Welfare Commission from the
corner of Fell and Gough Streets to the Board of Education Building
located at the southeast corner of Bush and Stockton Streets. The old
quarters were found to be inadequate and it was therefore necessary
to move to the new location. By resolutions of the Board of Education
and the Board of Supervisors, the new building was transferred to
the Public Welfare Commission for a period of five years, subject to
the condition that said Commission shall expend not less than $35,000
for improvements, alterations and repairs on the property. On
recommendation of the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors enacted a
supplemental appropriation ordinance providing the necessary funds
for this purpose.

$155,479 has been collected from miscellaneous rentals of City
owned lands and improvements, representing a $1,325 increase over last
year. About $57,238 has been earned from rentals at the Civic
Auditorium, representing a $5,238 increase over last year.

Sealer of Weights and Measures

Herewith is presented the annual report of the activities of the
Department of Weights and Measures for 1941.

Honest weights and measures are in use in greater numbers in San
Francisco today than ever before. In view of the fact that no unusual
schemes for cheating or defrauding the purchasing public were detected
during 1941, it would appear that vigilance on the part of the Inspectors
as well as the education of the public to watch the weighing and
measuring devices at all times for accurate delivery, has gone far to
reduce dishonesty and fraud.

This department covers a broad field of activity. It is required by law
to inspect and test all scales, weights, measures, pumps, etc. used in
commercial establishments in San Francisco. Its duties involve not
only the observance of these instruments in use, but also to weigh all
foodstuffs in package form to see that they are properly marked as to
contents and that the weight marked thereon is correct.

During the past year, this department received several requests
from high army officers of the United States Government to inspect
all scales, pumps, etc. at the Presidio, Fort Mason and government
boats at pier 56, which were complied with.

Sealer James A. Hughes reports that the Department of Weights
and Measures received the fullest cooperation during the past year
from the various Municipal Judges, the Better Business Bureau and
the newspapers of this city.

During 1941, the Department visited 10492 establishments, received

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and adjusted 62 complaints and issued 10279 certificates. Arrests made
and convictions secured, 5; fines received, $125.

Scales: 19479 sealed; 1484 adjusted; 415 condemned; 71 confiscated;
total 21449. "Weights sealed 23540; adjusted, 36; confiscated, 85; total,
23661. Gasoline pumps sealed, 4719; adjusted, 72; condemned, 117;
confiscated, 5; total, 4913. Liquid measures sealed, 12846; adjusted, 7;
condemned, 17; confiscated, 5; total 12875. Commercial packages
re-weighed, 181,335; condemned, 3915; total, 185,250.

Coroner

The Coroner's Office in the period from January 1 to November 1,
1941 has again functioned in such a manner as to deserve the national
recognition it has received for the completeness and the scientific
accuracy that mark its investigations. The completeness with which
the causative facts pertinent to the accidental deaths investigated are
demonstrated, together with the recommendations which follow are of
inestimable value and should result in a reduction of similar fatal
accidents. The office has cooperated with the National Safety Council
in its study of the relationship of alcohol to traffic accidents. Imme-
diately following the onset of the war, the Coroner's Office was placed
on an emergency basis, and at present is prepared to function in and
cope with any catastrophe that might occur. A study of the statistics
for the period covered by this report shows the office handled a total
of 2090 cases, a decrease of 81 cases from the corresponding period last
year. The number of Inquests held was 2090, Jurors summoned and
serving 817, autopsies performed 1919, Pathological examinations made
2241, Toxicological examinations completed 1265. In spite of a re-
ported increase in Motor Vehicle Traffic Deaths throughout the nation,
the deaths from this cause in San Francisco were slightly less, 77, as
against 78 in the same period of 1940, and the traffic deaths in children
under 15 were markedly lower, being 6 as against the 1940 total of 11.
Since the organization of the Junior Traffic Patrol in 1923, no death in
this group has occurred in zones patrolled by school-boy traffic officers,
an incomparable record.

Although deaths resulting from falls and other miscellaneous acci-
dents increased from 183 to 220, it is remarkable that in spite of the
industrial speed-up resulting from the Defense Program, the occupa-
tional fatalities decreased from 30 to 23. In comparison with 1940,
Homicides decreased, 22 as against 27, Suicides increased, 157 as com-
pared with 154. The revenue received by the office for certification of
papers and transcripts of testimony increased from $822 to $1600.

Murders, during this period numbered 11, as against 19 in 1940;
natural causes brought 1317 deaths, as compared with 1158 in 1940;
natural causes, signed from history 146 — 375 in 1940; natural causes,
contributory, excessive use of alcohol 25, to 61 in 1940; chronic
alcoholism 13, a decrease of 22; homicides, not classified 11, an increase
of 3; from street railway accidents, 2, by steam railroads, 2; accidental
poisoning, 10, as compared with 9 in the similar period of 1940.

As to the motor vehicle fatalities, 56 were pedestrians, 40 occurred at
intersections, and 47 occurred between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Juvenile Probation Department

Chief Probation Officer, R. R. Miller reports as follows for the
Juvenile Probation Department:

During the fiscal year 1940-41, a total of 1224 new cases passed
through the Juvenile Court, exclusive of repeaters. Of this number
there were 544 girls and 680 boys.

There was expended from the Maintenance of Minors Fund, including
all children placed through the Juvenile Court with foster homes,
institutions and own families, the total amount of $752,392.00. Break-
ing this down, there was expended in: Institutions, $56,916.00; Foster

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Homes, $411,508.00; with own families $283,968.00. Of this amount
the State and Federal governments reimbursed under the State Aid
Act for Needy Children (Social Security Act) the sum of $370,138.00.
In addition to this amount the sum of $68,000 was collected by the
Juvenile Court from parents under payment orders and reimbursed to
the City and County of San Francisco for moneys spent in behalf
of their children, making a total reimbursement to the County of
$438,138.00, and thereby making a total actually expended from the
City and County of San Francisco fund for maintenance of minor
children through the Juvenile Court of $314,254.00.

Particularly outstanding for the year was the enthusiasm expressed
by the Mayor, the Courts, the Board of Supervisors, and other bodies
in an endeavor to assist the Juvenile Court in creating a higher
standard of efficiency and work. As a result, a request was made to
the National Probation Association for one of their field workers to
make a survey of the Juvenile Court so that the work might be placed
on a higher plane and respected in comparison with other outstanding
Juvenile Courts of the country. Mr. Francis Hiller of the National
Probation Association was sent to San Francisco, arriving on March 10,
1941, and commenced his survey.

The Honorable Frank H. Dunne, who presided over the Juvenile
Court for eleven years, was taken by death.

During June 1941 the Honorable Thomas M. Foley, Judge of the
Superior Court, was appointed a full time Judge of the San Francisco
Juvenile Court. With his appointment the Juvenile Court is in a posi-
tion to present a complete service to San Francisco, emphasizing the
true picture of a Children's Court. Judge Foley has emphasized a
desire to widen the scope of responsibility and to centralize a court
procedure for the protection of all children within the city.

On March 1, 1941 the entire responsibility of the Log Cabin Ranch
School was taken over by the City and County of San Francisco. Its
immediate control remains with the Probation Department, and its staff
now comes within Civil Service. The location of the Ranch is at
Gualala, California, about 160 miles northwest of San Francisco. Plans
are now being formulated to move the Log Cabin Ranch School to
La Honda, where closer proximity to San Francisco will reduce travel
expenditures and will allow for a more centralized program. The
rehabilitation of boys accomplished at Log Cabin Ranch is particularly
outstanding. Inculcated into the school is an excellent training in
ranch life which includes the raising of live-stock, truck gardening
and fruit raising. The boys attend school regularly. There is now
theoretical instruction in the classroom with a good, practical voca-
tional training program.

During the fiscal year there was passed by the Board of Supervisors
the sum of $37,500 for the construction of a new court building to
adjoin the rear of the present Detention Home. From this sum there
are also to be supplied funds for needed alterations in the existing
building, which will allow for ample office space to meet the expanding
duties. The new court building will house the Judge's chambers, a court
room of practical size, the District Attorney's office, office for the Clerk
of the Court, jury room, and waiting rooms. There will be a passage
through the present building for children and staff members, while
adults involved in child cases will not be required to go through the
Juvenile Court building, but rather through another provided entrance.

Advancement has been particularly outstanding during the year
in psychological and psychiatric case work with delinquent children.
This field has assisted the probation staff in its recommendations to
the court for disposition of cases.

The Juvenile Court, with its wide scope of activity and responsibility,
has been serving the public with every degree of satisfaction. The
staff, which numbers close to 68 people, including Detention Home,
Log Cabin Ranch and Probation Department, has exemplified efficiency
and excellent morale in carrying out the prescribed duties.

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Agricultural Commissioner

County Agricultural Commissioner, W. F. Carroll's report observes
that the inspection of all inter- and intrastate shipments of plants,
bulbs and seed is the responsibility of this department. During the
year 1941, incoming nursery stock shipments numbered 1682 — 1,348,323
plants, with only 21 shipments rejected amounting to 25217 plants.
Nurseries inspected: 55, private homes inspected: 34, retail nurseries
inspected: 126. Shipments of nursery stock to other points in the
United States and foreign countries: 144 shipments, 451 plants.

Retail Store inspections: 2409 stores inspected for the condition of
fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey and eggs. Fruits, nuts and vegetables
reconditioned: 656 packages, remarked: 114 packages, dumped: 376
packages. Eggs reconditioned: 370 dozen, remarked: 4297 dozen,
dumped: 300 dozen. Honey reconditioned: none, remarked: 64 jars,
dumped: none.

Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market: Number of inspections: 1897.
Fruits and vegetables reconditioned: 22,529, packages, remarked:
9117 packages, dumped: 18,994 packages.

There were 7900 shipments of fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereals, garden
seed, plants and other miscellaneous commodities to points in United
States and foreign countries, amounting to a total of 520,353 packages.

There were 1439 inspections of potatoes, onions, beans, rice, eggs,
butter, cheese, cereals, dried fruits, alfalfa hay, red oat hay, crushed
oats, rolled barley, bran, rice straw, corn, wheat, and birdseed for City
Institutions with only the following four rejections: 1440 dozen eggs,
600 pounds butter, 150 pounds of cheese and 8000 pounds of potatoes.

The revenues taken for export work and City Institutions together
for the present year amount to approximately eight thousand dollars
($8,000.00).

Department of Finance and Records

This department is charged with the administration of the functions
and personnel of the following offices: Tax Collector, Registrar of
Voters, County Clerk, Recorder, and Public Administrator.

The expenses of the Administrative office for the calendar year 1941
were $8,034.99.

During the year, the Tax Collector produced an increase of $2,537,-
302.01 over the collections for the preceding year.

The Public Administrator filed 289 Final Accounts during the year
showing a total of $59,991.65 in fees paid into the Treasury.

Registrar of Voters Major C. J. Collins was retired for service during
the year and Cameron H. King, former Chief Clerk of Registration,
winner of the competitive examination for the position, was named to
succeed to the position of Registrar.

The Recorder's office shows a steady increase in the number of
instruments filed and a resultant increase in the amount of fees
collected.

The County Clerk has completed the organization of the Naturaliza-
tion Department, and is now handling the clerical work attendant
upon the examination of applicants and their witnesses prior to
appearance before the Superior Court for final papers.

Detailed reports upon all the offices mentioned above are submitted
herewith.

Tax Collector

The report of Edward F. Bryant, for the fiscal year closing June
30, 1941, shows collections as follows:

Real estate taxes and secured personal property taxes, $31,942,967.00;
unsecured personal property taxes exclusive of delinquent revenue
bureau, $920,900.30; total receipts, $32,863,867.30, an increase of $2,442,-

(72)

758.04, because of tax rate increase over preceding year. Bureau of
Delinquent Revenue Collections, various delinquent accounts from City
and County departments (less by $18,548.73 than preceding year)
$164,650.07.

Bureau of Licenses (increase of $113,092.70 because of new business
licenses) $431,664.77; total collections, $33,460,182.14, an increase over
preceding fiscal year of $2,537,302.01.

County Clerk

The year 1941 saw the completion of the organization of the
Naturalization Department of the County Clerk's Office, set up to
function in cooperation with the United States Department of Natural-
ization. Weekly hearings are held with a United States Examiner in
attendance, for the purpose of examining applicants and their witnesses
and final examinations are held before the Superior Court, twice each
month. This work involves the advising of hundreds of aliens monthly
and imposes extra duties upon the County Clerk's Office, but the im-
portance of the work justifies such extra efforts as are required. The
total fees collected for the first full year's operation from Naturalization
work, amounts to the sum of $2,832.50.

Total fees collected, together with fines and forfeitures for the year
1941, amounted to the sum of $125,803.40.

Recorder

The improvements made in the Recorder's office in 1940 in conformity
with State laws which resulted in better service to the public and
more economical and efficient operation of the office, have produced
splendid results for the year 1941. With some 2,000 more instruments
recorded and an increase of more than $4,500 in fees collected, the
amount spent for salaries remains almost identical with that for
1940, while the amount spent for record books, due to a new space-
saving method of copying, has been reduced almost 15 per cent.

Recordation of marriage licenses has increased about 5% over
last year's figures which, by the way, were the smallest in almost 30
years. This increase was probably due to the desire of many selectees
to wed before entering the service.

A constantly improved service consistent with sound economy is
the aim of the Recorder and one of the major steps in this direction
will be the installation of photo-recording. Efforts have been made,
and are still being made, to amend the provisions of our State laws
which at present prevent the use of this method. The Recorder believes
that permission of the legislature for the use of this scientific means
of reproducing records can be obtained, but it may take a little time.

Pees for the calendar year total $132,800, while the total paid out
in salaries was $87,965.

Registrar of Voters

Cameron H. King, Registrar of Voters reports that, during the 1941
calendar year his office maintained the same pace of efficiency and
economy that has characterized its past performance.

After the cancellation of 59,510 registered electors for neglecting to
vote either at the primary or general election in 1940, the office
registered 15,623 new persons, to restore the register to 341,294. The
municipal election on November 4, 1941, brought out 213,908 voters.

The returns of this election were handled with exceptional celerity.
There were 1111 voting precincts and all reported the results in good
time. Complete tabulation of votes for the whole city was given to the
press by 11 p.m. election night.

The voting machines gave complete satisfaction. The city now

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owns 1335. With the continued expansion of the voting population,
however, fifty more machines are needed.

Voting machines are stored in two warehouses. These buildings are
not large enough nor are they properly suited for the care and handling
of the machines. They are not fireproof, or dampproof. The entrances
and floor layouts are very badly arranged. A single fireproof building
should be provided, designed for the purpose of handling these
machines.

Reapportionment of the legislative districts requires re-sorting of
the 341,294 affidavits of registration into the new precincts and districts.
New precinct maps are being prepared and the number of precincts
has been increased from 1111 to 1184.

In addition to the registration of voters and the conduct of elections,
the office handles a great deal of work in notarizing civil service applica-
tions and issuing certificates of registration for persons employed in
defense work.

With the retirement of Major C. J. Collins as Registrar of "Voters
on January 31, 1941, there were several promotions of personnel
through civil service examinations. Cameron H. King, formerly Chief
Clerk of Registration, became Registrar, Geo. A. Donohoe, Law Clerk,
became Chief Clerk of Registration and John J. Hannon succeeded Mr.
Donohoe as Law Clerk. The main office remained under the efficient
direction of Mr. Ignatius D. Dwyer, Chief Clerk of Elections. The
permanent office force of the Registrar of Voters operated in 1941
on a budget of $7816, less than in 1931.

Pressure of the traffic office for space and the placing of huge relief
map in the main registration room has seriously handicapped the
Registrar's office in its own work. Removal of the relief map is a
necessity for continued economy and efficiency in dealing with the
voters and receiving election returns.

Public Administrator

Phil C. Katz, Public Administrator, submits his report of the opera-
tions of the Public Administrator's Office for the period from January
1 to December 15, 1941.

Number of estates wherein Public Administrator took possession,
278; number of estates in which final accounts have been settled and
allowed, 289; Administrator's commissions collected and paid into
County Treasury, $28,572.17; Attorney's fees collected and paid into
County Treasury, $28,572.16; sundry revenue collected and paid into
County Treasury, $2,847.32; total collections paid into County Treasury,
$59,991.65; total cost of operation of office, $44,436.14; profit, $15,555.51.

During this year the office handled more estates and more final
accounts were settled and allowed than during the previous year. The
profit from operating the office is likewise greater than that shown
last year.

This office has been particularly affected by the war. Regulations
and restrictions in ever increasing numbers, covering the property of
alien deceased persons and distributive shares of alien heirs have
greatly augmented the work of the personnel and placed additional
responsibilities on all concerned.

Public Welfare Commission

Starting July 1, 1941, the duties and responsibilities of the Public
Welfare Commission, and of the Public Welfare Department of which
it is the policy-forming and supervisory body, were increased through
the discontinuance of operations of the State Relief Administration.
Prior to that time, the Public Welfare Department administered the
three classifications of public assistance, Aid to Needy Aged, Aid
to Needy Blind and Aid to Needy Children, in which the Federal Gov-
ernment and the State of California participated financially with the

(74)

City and County of San Francisco. It also administered indigent aid
to unemployed unemployable persons. Relief to unemployed employable
persons was administered by the State Relief Administration through its
offices in San Francisco. Subsequent to July 1, 1941, the administration
of relief to unemployed employable persons also became the respon-
sibility of the Public Welfare Department.

The budget of the Public Welfare Department for the fiscal year
1941-42 already had been adopted prior to the failure of the California
Legislature to provide funds for the continued operation of the State
Relief Administration. With the discontinuance of operations of the
State Relief Administration, therefore, it was necessary that addi-
tional funds be provided to cover the cost of indigent aid to employables
for the fiscal year. This was done through the inclusion of an additional
amount of ten cents (10c) in the tax rate, which made available a
total amount of $747,749 for this purpose for the fiscal year 1941-42.

During the calendar year just ended, the Public Welfare Department
authorized the disbursement of $7,4 65,000 to the Needy Aged, the
Needy Blind, the Needy Children and the Indigents. The cost of
administration was $542,700, or 6.8% of the grand total of $8,008,200.
Of this grand total, the total cost from City and County tax funds for
tne year was $3,483,500. The balance of the cost was met from Federal
and State funds.

The following tabulated statement shows how the money disbursed
was divided among the types of recipients, the parts that were provided
by Federal and State subventions, and the portion that was paid from
City and County tax funds.

(75)

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(76)

Aid to Needy Aged: Over 65% of all disbursements of the Public
Welfare Department for the year just ended were for the benefit of our
Needy Aged. The greatest increase in the disbursements of the Depart-
ment has occurred in connection with these needy aged persons. In
November, 1941, 11.960 eligible aged San Franciscans received assistance
checks, an increase of 621 over November of 1940. The total cost of
Old Age Assistance during the calendar year just ended was $304,700
greater than that for the previous year.

Aid to Needy Children: The Public Welfare Department administers
aid to only one class of dependent children — the half-orphans whose
fathers or mothers are dead or have been declared presumptively dead
by court action. The other classes of needy children are granted aid
through the Dependency Division of the Juvenile Court. For the
month of November, 1941, aid was extended to 520 cases, representing
1,221 children. The similar figures for November, 1940, were 614 cases
and 1,478 children. The total amount disbursed for Aid to Needy
Children during the calendar year just ended, including supplementary
Aid to Needy Children, was $32,700 less than that disbursed during
the preceding year.

Aid to Needy Blind: The number of blind persons receiving assistance
through the Public Welfare Department in November, 1941, was 523 as
compared with 551 blind persons receiving assistance in November, 1940.
Aid to Indigents: The responsibility of caring for indigent persons
now includes both employables and unemployables who have a County
residence of one year and a State residence of three years, the State
residence being independent of public or private assistance prior to
application for relief. Under the Act granting aid to the indigent,
relief may be extended for only a temporary period to non-residents,
that is, persons who do not have three years' independent residence
in the State prior to application for relief. Non-residents may receive
emergency aid according to an ordinance of the Board of Supervisors
for sixty days with the provision that ninety days may be allowed in
cases of illness. The cost of Indigent Aid for the year just ended was
$1,533,700 as compared with $1,349,700 for the previous calendar year,
or an increase of $184,000. This increase resulted from the employable
cases which came onto the rolls of the Public Welfare Department on
July 1. 1941 when the State Relief Administration discontinued opera-
tions.

In August 1941, the Public Welfare Commission created an Employ-
ment Division within the Public Welfare Department. The purpose
of this division was to attempt to find placement in private employ-
ment for the employable unemployed through cooperation with the
California Department of Employment. The activities of this division,
together with the recent increases in general employment, have been
so beneficial that, although more than 3,000 new cases became the
responsibility of the Public Welfare Department in July, as of December
15, 1941, there were less than 400 more cases receiving Indigent Aid
than were receiving such aid one year ago.

Prior to July 1, 1941, the State Relief Administration was the agency
in San Francisco which certified persons for employment with the
Federal Works Projects Administration. In November, it became the
responsibility of the Public Welfare Department to refer to the WPA
for certification of all persons eligible for such referral. The Work
Projects Administration currently provides jobs for some 5,000 persons
in San Francisco as compared with an employment one year ago of
approximately 9,000 persons.

As of January 1, 1941, I appointed Mr. Frank Y. McLaughlin as a
member of the Public Welfare Commission replacing Mr. Guido J.
Musto, whom I appointed as a War Memorial Trustee as of that date.
During the calendar year 1941, therefore, the Public Welfare Commis-
sion consisted of Mr. F. M. McAuliffe, Chairman. Mr. Frank Y. Mc-
Laughlin, Mrs. Eugene M. Prince, Miss Ruth A. Turner and Mr.
Edward Vandeleur. I am grateful to the members of the Public
Welfare Commission for their devotion to those in San Francisco who

(77 )

are unable to provide for themselves. I am grateful to them for their
efforts to conserve public monies by granting aid only to those who
are truly needy according to the law and eligible to assistance through
the Public Welfare Department. It is the policy of the Public Welfare
Commission that every person in San Francisco who is eligible for
public assistance be given the maximum amount for which he or she
is eligible within the shortest possible time and that every ineligible
person who secures, or attempts to secure, the assistanec that is pro-
vided for needy eligibles be penalized as provided by law.

San Francisco-San Mateo Livestock Exposition
Buildings

More than a decade of effort on the part of the citizens of San
Francisco and San Mateo Counties, as represented by the No. 1-A
District Agricultural Association, bore fruit during November, 1941 in
the tirst annual Grand National Livestock Exposition.

A goodly portion of the credit for the truly amazing success of this
great livestock exposition, horse show and rodeo should be attributed
to the $50,000 appropriated for promotion and publicity purposes by the
City and County of San Francisco.

Exceeding even the fondest expectations of the agricultural associa-
tion's board of directors, the Exposition drew an estimated grand total
of 142,197 spectators through the gates of the "Cow Palace" during
eleven performances from November 15 to 22.

Total net paid attendance was 117,468. Gross receipts were $95,308.69.
After deduction of ten per cent Federal amusement tax, net gate
receipts amounted to $85,751.92. When it is remembered that more
than half of the seats in the "Cow Palace" were sold at a popular
price of 55 cents, this is a most satisfactory outcome.

More important than the gate receipts was the intense interest
and complete support accorded the Exposition by exhibitors of livestock
and show horses.

In the Livestock Division, 145 exhibitors from 18 states showed 2,085
head of the nation's finest beef and dairy cattle, sheep and swine to
participate in what qualified experts declared to be one of the nation's
top ranking domestic animal expositions. In the horse show, 145 of the
country's noted stables entered 253 blooded horses to produce a
spectacle which, in its premiere, took rank alongside the Madison
Square Garden classic in New York.

Thus, the Grand National established San Francisco as the peer of
the time honored livestock show and service centers of the United
States. More than that, it made tremendous strides in advancing and
cementing the bonds of friendship between San Francisco and her
agricultural neighbors.

Municipal Court

Presiding Judge Alden Ames, in his report for 1941, to the beginning
of December, for the Municipal Court of the City and County of San
Francisco, shows an excess in revenue over expenditures, of $375,710.13.

There is a tremendous increase in traffic fines. This indicates, ob-
viously enough, enforcement of the traffic laws on a large scale. As
many of the fines collected are $1.00 each, the parking laws are being
enforced as well as other violations in great numbers, as is shown
by the number of tags issued. An increase in expenditures of $50,000,
mainly for rental of machines and increased help in the Traffic Fines
Bureau, necessitated by the greater number of tags issued, resulted
in an increase, in revenue, over the same period in 1940, of more than
$150,000, establishing the highest record in the history of the Court.

Criminal actions numbered. 313,893; small claims brought, 4,941, of
which 1,073 were official; civil suits, 10,736, of which 252 were official.

( 78 )

Civil fees received, $08,109. Fines, in cases other than traffic. $36.-
683.68. Traffic tines, all sources. $547,068.86. Total revenue. $651,861.54;

expenditures, $276,151.41.

Traffic tags settled in Fines Bureau. 381.584; revenue. $396,812.51);
tags to Court, 25.964; revenue. $150,256.36. The increase in the number
of tags issued under each heading was over 100%.

Public Defender

Gerald J. Kenny. Public Defender, reports that, during the year 1941,
his Department handled 1433 cases in the Superior, Municipal, Juvenile
Courts and Detention Hospital. He and his assistants interviewed and
gave advice to 3362 persons without funds to employ private counsel in
civil matters. They made 3219 appearances in courts during the year.

The Public Defender advises persons who are obviously guilty, to
plead guilty, thereby eliminating costly and long drawn out trials and
saving the City and County thousands of dollars annually in court
costs and jury fees. The Public Defender and his assistants, in coopera-
tion with the District Attorney and Judges, endeavor to make proper
disposition of these cases, both for the benefit of the People of the State
of California and in the interest of the defendants and the protection
of their legal rights.

District Attorney

During 1941. this office participated in and conducted approximately
47,000 court hearings; issued 23,400 citations; conducted 21.000 cita-
tion hearings; was represented at all sessions of the Grand Jury
during the year, both regular and special, and collected and turned
into the City Treasurer's Office in bail money the total sum of
$789,012.50.

Also, this office participated in all Coroner's inquests wherein sus-
picion of crime in connection with deaths was present, attended all
meetings of the Parole Board, all meetings of the Traffic Committee on
safety matters, met with groups of merchants and organizations in-
terested in the various phases of the Unfair Practices Act and prepared
and gave instructions and lectures on the same to such groups for
the purpose of averting law violations and court prosecutions.

The total cost of conducting the office for the year was $ll.s,14n
I am informed that this is lower than that of any other District
Attorney's office of comparable size in the United States.

Of the cases handled by the Office of the District Attorney in 1941.
of the 47.000 court hearings, approximately 2.100 were felony cases that
reached the Superior Court, and approximately 44.500 were mis-
demeanor cases disposed of in the Municipal Court; approximately 400
were crimes involving children, disposed of in the Juvenile Court.

Of the total number of approximately 23.400 citations issued

were issued by the Bureau of Domestic Relations of this Office, dealing
with failure to provide for minor children, indigent wives and aged
parents and similar domestic cases: 2,000 were issued by the Fraud
Bureau of this Office, dealing with crimes of frauds, swindles and
violations of the Corporate Securities Act. misleading advertising and
various other rackets: 12,000 were issued by the Warrant and Bond
Office dealing with miscellaneous offenses, felony and misdemeanor
alike, and with violations of City Ordinances: 400 were issued by the
deputy in charge of the Juvenile Court work, relating particularly to
sex offenses and juvenile delinquencies. Hearings on citations were
approximately as follows: Bureau of Domestic Relations. S.000; Fraud
Bureau. 1.700; Warrant and Bond Office. 11.000; Juvenile Department.
300.

The Warrant and Bond Department, aside from the issuance of
citations as above noted, prepared 75.000 complaints, and 25,000 warrants

( 79 )

were issued upon these complaints, and by telephone and personally
answered over 15,000 requests for advice and information.

The Food and Health Bureau of this Office, which investigates and
prosecutes offenders under the pure food and drug act, the State
agricultural code and various City health ordinances, handled and
disposed of more than 200 cases during the year.

Out of 207 narcotic cases disposed of during the year, 189 were
convictions. These figures pertain to proceedings in the Superior
Court.

City Attorney

During the past year the City Attorney's Office, representing the
City and County of San Francisco, was involved in many important
actions involving several million dollars.

Among the cases tried were the Hetch Hetchy case — The Dan
Williams v. The City and County, which concerned the water rights
on the Tuolumne River — The DeGuigne suit involving a $200,000
condemnation suit in San Mateo County — The Transbay Construction
case, involving approximately $850,000, dealing with the enlargement
of the O'Shaughnessy Dam, as well as numerous other cases concern-
ing taxes and personal injuries.

During the year this office received some 305 civil suits, of these 125
actions actually went to trial.

Cases involving the McBnerny Act amounted to 34.

There were 25 actions in the Appellate Divisions of. the various
courts.

During this year 124 major opinions were rendered to the various
officers, boards, commissions and departments of the City and County
Government.

Nuisances. By reason of the previous activity of the City Attorney's
Office in abating existing nuisances, and in establishing a well settled
rule of law with reference to the same, the number of actions necessary
to abate existing nuisances was reduced. Where any public nuisances
existed the owners of said property were requested to appear before
the Department of Public Health. At all such hearings a representative
of the City Attorney's Office is present and informs the property owners
of the legal restrictions on maintaining property in an unsafe and
unsanitary condition, and in most instances the property owner, upon
being advised of his obligations, abates the public nuisance without
the necessity of going to trial.

Eminent Domain. Upon recommendation and direction of the Board
of Supervisors, 31 parcels of land have been condemned within the
City and County limits. Many additional parcels of land have also
been condemned by this office for the local Housing Authority, further-
ing the slum clearance program throughout the Nation.

Board of Education. Approximately 57 cases — not including the
re-rate cases for teachers, and salary suits by teachers — are pending
to be tried by the attorney for the Board of Education, with the assist-
ance of the City Attorney's Office. Approximately 25 cases have been
tried and closed by the joint action of the aforementioned attorneys. In
addition some 35 cases involving personal injuries to persons alleged
to have been injured due to the dangerous and defective condition of
school property, were settled after due investigation.

Housing Authority. Although the building program of the Housing
Authority has been somewhat limited, by the present national
emergency, the representative from the City Attorney's Office has been
active on behalf of the Housing Authority in procuring land by con-
demnation proceedings for the furtherance of the slum clearance
program.

Dismissals. This year many additional suits have been dismissed
upon motion of tbe City Attorney for failure to prosecute actions

( 80 )

brought against the City and County, within the statutory time limit
provided by law.

Claims. A large increase was noticed in the number of claims filed
against the City and County of San Francisco. The records of the
Controller's Office indicate that some 1100 claims have been filed with
that office and have been brought to the attention of the City Attorney's
Office for investigation and disposition. Numerous claims have been
settled for minor amounts, dispensing with the necessity of court action
in these matters. However, these claims have only been settled after
a thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding
the occurrence for which the claim was brought.

Municipal Railway. As in the past, although actions have been
brought for personal injuries and property damage against the Muni-
cipal Railway, the City Attorney's Office was successful in keeping the
actual payments made on such claims at an amount approximating 8%
of the total claims for damages. The claims for damages amounted to
some $850,000.00 and the amount actually paid out by the Municipal
Railway was about $83,000.00 for the past year.

Fire Department. On behalf of the City and County of San Fran-
cisco, the City Attorney's Office settled some 50 claims against persons
who had damaged hydrants and other fire department property.

Departments Represented by City Attorney's Office. As in the past,
the City Attorney's Office had a representative at all meetings of the
Retirement Board, the Public Utilities Commission, the Board of Permit
Appeals, the City Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors and
the Civil Service Commission, the Board of Public Health and the local
Housing Authority.

Industrial Accident Commission. During the past year approximately
24 cases were tried by the City Attorney's Office on behalf of the City
and County, before the Industrial Accident Commission, and very
favorable results were obtained.

Department of Public Works. Although numerous actions were
brought against the City and County of San Francisco under the
Public Liability Act for dangerous and defective conditions of public
streets, works and property, only one judgment was obtained against
the City and County of San Francisco, and at the present time this
matter is pending before the District Court of Appeals. Some minor
claims for damages were filed, but after due investigation by this
office were settled, without trial.

Ordinances. Among the more important ordinances drawn by the
City Attorney's Office for the Board of Supervisors, during the past
year, were:

The non-fix traffic tag ordinance; the flower stand ordinance; the
ordinance regulating motion picture theatres; the ordinance controlling
passenger buses; the ordinance regulating the handling of poultry;
the new air-raid ordinance.

Rate Department. The principal activities in the rate department
during the 1941 calendar year were as follows:

Detailed study and report on proposed charges which the Pacific
Gas and Electric Company planned to incorporate in the agreement
for leasing the distribution system in San Francisco.

Cooperating with the representatives of the Public Utilities Com-
mission in preparing and reviewing data incorporated in plan "9"
which was the charter amendment for a bond issue of $66,500,000 sub-
mitted to the electors on November 4, 1941.

Complete studies on electric and gas rates were made by this office
and the matter is still pending before the California Railroad Com-
mission with regard to reduction of rates.

Studies on the operation of the Market Street Railway Company
under the 7c fare and the effect of bus substitution for trolley cars
on the net income of the company.

( 81 )

Analysis of State Board of Equalization's detailed assessment of
public utilities in the City and County of San Francisco.

Appearances before the California Railroad Commission upon all
matters concerning the welfare of the City and County of San Francisco.

Preparation of a detailed study showing the effect of any proposed
change in the fares of the Municipal Railway.

Housing Authority

The Commission has held regular meetings on the Thursday of
each week during the year and has transacted all necessary business
for the Authority, The Authority now has three projects in operation,
namely, Holly Courts, Potrero Terrace and Sunnydale, a total of
1,359 dwelling units, while a fourth project, Valencia Gardens (246
units) is under construction and a fifth, Westside Court (136 units), is
out for bids. Thus about two-thirds of our proposed program is actually
built or building. Plans for the Bernal Dwellings project are complete
and are ready for bids, awaiting only the Commission's authorization
to proceed. Drawings for five other projects are in various stages and
practically all of the land for the entire program of eleven projects has
been purchased or is under final negotiation. Construction progress
has been and is still being greatly retarded by the necessity of obtain-
ing priorities. The Coordinator of Defense Housing has granted
priorities on the Valencia Gardens and Westside Court projects. The
conditions now established for priorities involve preference to defense
workers whose incomes are less than $2100 per annum. Our Commis-
sion has not yet accepted these conditions on six projects, but has
indicated a willingness to do so for Chinatown. The influx of defense
workers as well as Army and Navy personnel may soon develop a real
need for the rapid construction of the full program.

Increased incomes of defense and wartime economic conditions have
greatly changed our tenant selection and occupancy situation. Large
tenant turnover and a markedly high percentage of rejections on
account of excessive income have characterized the last six months of
this year. In spite of these conditions and though Sunnydale and
Potrero Terrace were only recently completed, far from the center
of the City, about two-thirds of their dwelling units are now leased,
while Holly Courts has 100% occupancy.

The following is a summary of fact concerning each project: Cal. 1-1
Holly Courts 2.68 acres, 118 units, $558,000; Cal. 1-2 Potrero Terrace
17.16 acres, 469 units, $2,203,000; Cal. 1-3 Sunnydale 48.83 acres, 772
units, $3,530,000; Cal. 1-4 Valencia Gardens 4.96 acres, 246 units,
$1,255,000; Cal. 1-5 Bernal Dwellings 4.47 acres, 201 units, $1,041,000;
Cal. 1-8 Westside Court 2.604 acres, 136 units, $689,000; Cal. 1-9 De Haro
Plaza 4,822 acres, 132 units, $777,000; Cal. 1-10 Hunters View 15.15 acres.
150 units, $1,114,000; Cal. 1-11R North Beach Place 4.602 acres, 226
units, $1,270,000; Cal. 1-15 Chinatown 2.617 acres, 232 units, $1,517,000;
Cal. 1-16R Glen Crags 29.06 acres, 171 units, $930,000.

Our various loan contracts have recently been consolidated by the
United States Housing .Authority into one contract aggregating $14,-
885,000.00, thus greatly simplifying our loan set-up and accounting-
procedures. The suit of Antonia Kleiber against the City and County
of San Francisco and the Housing Authority was decided on October
30, 1941, in the Supreme Court of California in favor of the City and
the Authority. This Supreme Court decision will affect a very material
saving in interest rates to the Authority, by clearing the way for a
temporary loan note issue which will be placed on the market some
time early in 1942.

All members of the management and maintenance staff of project
and central offices are enrolled 100% of Civilian Defense, while mem-
bers of the maintenance staff residing at projects have been made
air raid wardens. During the recent blackouts, all projects were com-
pletely blacked out within five minutes of the alarm. Sand has been

( 82)

deposited at strategic locations for use in the event of Hie, and copies
of air raid instructions have been reprinted and distributed to every
tenant family. Rents have been adjusted for tenant families whose
incomes have been sharply curtailed due to the wage earner's induction
into the State Guard.

Arrangements have been affected for cooperation with the Navy
and Red Cross for housing evacuee families fleeing war conditions,
with provisions for a limited number of furnished houses to care for
those who are in greatest need. The facilities of social halls, kitchens
and craft rooms have been offered for the use of Civilian Defense
activities. Our project management has made baths and rooms available
to small Army units stationed near the projects. We will continue to
cooperate in every way possible with the Office of Civilian Defense.

(83 )

Annual Message

«_—--_-_»___ OF ■-■--—■■■--■-■■■-■■■-

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF THE
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Twenty-Two
Nineteen Forty-Three

Annual Message

O F

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO THE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

O F T H E

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Twenty-two
Nineteen Forty-three

Printed by

Recorder-Sunset Press

99 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco

Mayors Annual Message

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, SAN FRANCISCO

January 22, 1943.
The Honorable, the Board of Supervisors,
City Hall, San Francisco.

Gentlemen:

Section 25 of the Charter requires me to communicate annually "by
message to the Supervisors a general statement of the condition of
affairs of the City and County and recommend the adoption of such
measures as he may deem expedient and proper."

We have been at war more than one year. During that time the re-
quirements of the armed forces for men, materiels and money, have far
surpassed anything this country has ever known before. Federal in-
come taxes have increased sharply and upon these greatly increased
rates there has been superimposed the new 5 per cent Victory Tax.

These increased drains on the income of all taxpayers make it man-
datory that we exercise greater economy than ever before in the opera-
tions of our City and County government by deferring merited capital
expenditures and by reducing the maintenance and personnel costs of
all city departments to the minimum. Recognizing the increasing
gravity of this condition, on last December 4, I forwarded the following
letter to each department, board and commission:

"The necessity for more stringent economy in operations of
the various departments of the City and County of San Fran-
cisco is so obvious that it needs little amplification. The re-
quirements of civilian defense and other war-engendered activi-
ties come first. However, it may be well to call to your
attention the serious decrease in certain items of non-tax reve-
nue such as building permits, gasoline tax, traffic fines, and
electrical and plumbing inspection fees. There is no reason to
believe that additional reductions will not appear as time goes
on, so long as the war continues.

"All these non-tax revenues have a direct bearing on the tax
rate, which none of us want to be more than is absolutely
necessary. Therefore, in constructing your budget requests
for 1943-44 please bear in mind the necessity for strictest
economy during the next fiscal year.

"My policy in recommending on each departmental request
will be to allow to each department only the minimum
amounts necessary to their operation. I will not allow any
new position, any expansion of services, equipment or capital
expenditure, unless it can be demonstrated to me that such
expenditures are absolutely necessary to the operation of the
department involved.

"Your cooperation in this matter will be appreciated.
"Yours very truly,

"ANGELO J. ROSSI,

"Mayor."

Naturally, I do not intend, by false economy, to jeopardize the opera-
tion of any essential function of government, nor to neglect those less
fortunate than ourselves. But each departmental budget which I sub-
mit to your honorable Board for the fiscal year 1943-44 will represent

(3)

what I consider the bare essentials for the efficient operation of each
department including the Public Utilities.

There are some bright spots in the budget picture, as for example,
the sharply decreased requirements for humanitarian activities. The
Public Welfare Department reports a consistent decrease in the case-
load of Old Age Aid as well as indigent relief. Even with the discon-
tinuance of W.P.A. projects in San Francisco the Public Welfare De-
partment anticipates that only comparatively few cases will become
charges of the City and County.

It always has been my policy not to refill vacated positions or to
approve the creation of new positions unless it was shown that they
were absolutely necessary. Although some have indicated that my
office has made no attempt to investigate the necessity of refilling
permanent positions, the record over the years speaks for itself. The
record will show that practically all new positions which have been
created in the past years have been those in constantly growing depart-
ments, such as the Health Department and the Public Utilities. No
further back than October 19, 1942, I again restated that policy when
I addressed the following communication to all department heads un-
der my immediate supervision, and requested the Chief Administrative
Officer to give consideration to forwarding such a letter to departments
designated by the Charter to be under the immediate supervision of
the Chief Administrative Officer:
"To All Department Heads:

"As you are aware, the man-power shortage is becoming
progressively more acute. More and more eligible men are
volunteering for or are being inducted into the armed forces,
and skilled workers of all types are needed by the war indus-
tries and related activities. There is a growing need for
women in war industries also and I believe the time has come
when the City and County government must figuratively
'tighten its belt' and get along with as few employees as pos-
sible.

"We all are agreed that winning this war is the paramount
issue toward which the energies of every person must be di-
rected. If each employee will take it upon himself or herself
as his or her contribution to the war effort, to assume some
of the duties of each person who leaves the city's service dur-
ing the emergency, I am convinced that the City and County
of San Francisco can make a definite and valuable contribu-
tion in this direction by drawing on the available man- and
woman-power as little as we possibly can. I do not mean by
this that any department should be crippled in its operations
or that any individual should assume duties beyond his or her
capacity to discharge, but I do ask all department heads and
all employees to cooperate in this effort.

"Therefore, I request each department head, before submit-
ting a requisition to fill a vacancy in a permanent position, to
canvass his department thoroughly and see if it is not possible
to forego the replacement of that permanent employee during
the war emergency. In thus canvassing the department, con-
sideration should be given to distributing the work of the
vacated position amongst the remaining employees; to the ques-
tion of whether any function or activity of the department
may be reduced or suspended entirely for the war emergency
without detriment to city business; and to the question of
whether a part-time employee can be used satisfactorily. It
is not necessary, I am sure, to state that the use of a full-time
temporary employee would not accomplish the desired result.
"May I request also that in each case when a requisition is
issued to refill a vacated permanent position, the department
head forward to me a letter containing a statement that the
position is indispensable to the minimum efficiency of the de-

(4)

partment and of the city government, and explaining in detail
why the replacement is absolutely necessary.

"I ask the cooperation of all department heads in this re-
spect.

"Yours very truly,

"ANGELO J. ROSSI,

"Mayor."

I wish to point out that the foregoing letter went further than any
other move in this direction, in that it required the department head
to forward to me a letter containing a statement that the position is
indispensable to the minimum efficiency of the department and city
government. This applied to all departments except those which under
the Charter are placed under the supervision of the Chief Administra-
tive Officer, and those departments are under the same mandate from
the Chief Administrative Officer, as evidenced by the following excerpt
from his letter to me under date of October 19, 1942: "whenever a
personnel requisition to fill a permanent position is forwarded to you
with the signature of the department head and the Chief Administra-
tive Officer, the necessity of filling the position has been determined
after careful consideration." Therefore, I have not required such let-
ter from the Chief Adminstrative Officer except in a few instances
where the recommendations of the Civil Service Commission were at
variance with those of the Chief Administrative Officer.

This procedure will be continued and departmental personnel will be
kept to the lowest possible number, consistent with the minimum re-
quirements of the city.

Accomplishments During 1942

Despite the exigencies of the war year through which we have passed,
several notable civic projects were completed during that period.

Union Square Garage, which was sponsored by me and by the Park
Commission; supported and financed by public-spirited citizens and the
Federal Government, was completed and began operation. These prop-
erties though privately managed at present will ultimately revert to
the city. Without the cooperation of the city, this improvement could
not have been made. Difficulties in obtaining materials, due to priori-
ties, threatened at one time to halt completion until after the war.
However, we were successful in overcoming these difficulties by appro-
priate representation in Washington. While the restrictions of the
rubber shortage and gas rationing have resulted in a temporary relief
from the downtown parking problems, those problems will return when
the war is over, and Union Square Garage will be there to aid in
alleviating the post-war congestion.

The widening of Third Street was completed in December, 1941, ex-
cept for certain paving work, thus relieving the congested auto traffic
to and from the shipyards and other heavy industries along it. The
widened highway is being repaved from Fourth Street to Mariposa and
from Twenty-third Street to Custer, the City and Federal Government
each contributing $200,000 to the project.

The widening of Lombard Street, begun in November, 1941, pro-
gressed in 1942 to the point where it is expected to be completed in Feb-
ruary of this year, at a total cost of $1,250,000.

O'Shaughnessy Boulevard, a scenic highway linking Portola Drive
with the Glen Park District at Bosworth Street, was completed under
W.P.A. sponsorship at a total cost of $279,751.

Other W.P.A. projects completed in 1942 include the removal of tracks
on Chenery Street from Diamond to Thirtieth Street and from Thir-
tieth Street to San Jose Avenue, and on Howard Street from the Em-
barcadero to Ninth Street, and from Fourteenth Street to Twenty-
sixth Street.

Part of the 1942 Fire Protection bond funds was for the construction
of temporary fire houses or shelters, to house the auxiliary pumpers

(5)

purchased by the City and loaned to San Francisco by the Federal Gov-
ernment. Of these, twenty-seven were completed during 1942; six
more were under construction and contracts for seven more will be
let within the next few days.

In the 1942-43 budget for Civilian Defense there was included $100,000
for defouling (or degassing) stations. Twelve of these stations have
been completed and four more are under construction.

Undoubtedly, there are many improvements and capital expenditures
which are necessary and which would be desirable in normal times,
but these will have to wait on the return of peace. All our resources
must be directed first of all to winning the war, and to the protection
of our citizens and their property from damage by enemy attack. As
I have stated before, the 1943-44 budget will include only the most essen-
tial expenditures, and I know your honorable Board will cooperate in
every respect.

Civilian Defense

Aside from actual participation as members of the armed forces there
is no activity so important to our citizens as that of Civilian Defense.

We must remember that when the clouds of war first gathered in the
Pacific many failed to recognize the menace. Only when the thunder
of death and destruction struck at Pearl Harbor was the foresight of
those who had attempted to warn against those clouds appreciated.
Fortunately, many feared the consuming flames of war sufficiently to
heed the words of our illustrious President when he said that a real
emergency faced us.

Nearly eleven months before Pearl Harbor, as Mayor of your city, I
decreed the formation of a Civilian Defense Council. I called able and
alert men of this city. They set about the task of studying the effects
of modern warfare on the cities of ravaged Europe. They set out to
prepare a civilian defense plan which would assure this city of meeting
any emergency.

On August 18, 1941, that body presented its report to me. Today it
is a model of farsighted planning. It has successfully met the needs
not only of San Francisco, but has been the model for other munici-
palities.

Implementing this master plan began in the fall of 1941. A month
before Pearl Harbor the recruiting of volunteers for Civilian Defense
had begun. With the attack on Hawaii, our civilian defense sprang
into full being. I declared a state of emergency on that very day.
Every fireman, police officer, city official and member of the Civilian
Defense staff went on a 24-hour basis. The carefully prepared plans
were thrown into high gear and San Franciscans by the thousands
stepped forward to accept the responsibility of volunteer workers. This
has been the most important development in San Francisco during the
past year.

More than 55,000 volunteers have been recruited, trained and assigned
to duty in the protective services of civilian defense. Many more thou-
sands have answered calls for personnel to put over the Victory Bond
drive, the Salvage for Victory campaign, and other related activities.
Actually, more than one out of every seven persons in San Francisco,
women as well as men, are in civilian defense.

Before I proceed, I should like to say that our civilian defense or-
ganization is second to none in the country. I say this advisedly. The
innumerable representatives of federal agencies engaged in civilian de-
fense have been unanimous in concurring with that statement. My
personal observations prove this to be a fact. It is true that there
were and still are some shortcomings in our set-up, however, civilian
defense to this city and to this nation are as new as is total war, and
just as our military forces have by trial and error discovered many
things, so have we in civilian defense.

In the rather lengthy report on civilian defense which was in my
message to you last year I outlined in great detail our conditions at

(6)

that time. Since then, by ordinance, the San Francisco Civilian De-
fense Council has been streamlined so that today we are operating
under the San Francisco War Council.

The impact of war on San Francisco imposes many duties and obliga-
tions on our city, however, besides providing a civilian protection or-
ganization. The San Francisco Civilian War Council fulfills this need.
Under this Council we have two general branches of services, the Pro-
tective and War Activities Services. Recognizing that we must do first
things first, our strongest efforts have been directed toward perfecting
protective organizations. This has required the coordination of depart-
ments of the city government which would participate in action to-
gether with the Red Cross, County Medical Society, and other non-
municipal organizations, and has required the creation of new services
to meet bombing conditions. The city departments involved are the
Fire Department, Police Department, Emergency Medical Division of
the Health Department, Department of Public Works, and Public Utili-
ties.

In order to fully utilize the facilities of these departments, it has
been necessary to supplement them with an auxiliary fire service, aux-
iliary police, air raid wardens, and a complete emergency medical ser-
vice, working in direct coordination with the existing agencies of city
government.

The splendid Disaster Relief organization of the San Francisco Chap-
ter, American Red Cross, has been brought actively into the picture
as an integral part of Civilian Defense, organizing rescue services,
coordinating its medical division with the Emergency Medical Service,
and arranging for the utilization of its emergency feeding, housing,
and shelter divisions.

In order to effectively utilize our protection organizations it is neces-
sary that adequate communications be established. We have developed
a system of communication and command facilities which is unique
throughout the United States. It has been evolved on the basis of trial
and error into an efficient operation which will function even under the
most severe conditions. As I have said, these civilian protection activi-
ties now include approximately 55,000 volunteer San Franciscans who
have pledged themselves to see this through to the end, that our city
may be protected.

Originally there were about 4,000 men recruited for the Auxiliary
Police Force. After an intensive training program conducted by mem-
bers of the regular Police Department and the District Attorney's Of-
fice, we now have a well-drilled, highly-trained Auxiliary Police Force
of approximately 2,500 men in full operation, working in close coopera-
tion with the regular force of 1,350 men.

The Air Raid Warden Service in this city is composed of 27,000 fully
trained men and women. Their original training program was that
prescribed by the Office of Civilian Defense in Washington. This con-
stituted twenty-three hours of intensive schooling. The prescribed
Office of Civilian Defense First-Aid Course was given to approximately
20,000 people in approximately three weeks time.

From time to time the Auxiliary Police and Air Raid Wardens have
engaged in tests simulating actual wartime conditions. The services
of the Air Raid Warden division have been truly diversified. Enforc-
ing dim-out regulations, including outdoor advertising lighting; taking
a city-wide census; these and many other accomplishments are to be
credited to our air raid wardens.

In this total war which aims not only at the destruction of military
objectives but at the annihilation of our people, our homes and our
industries, adequate fire protection is most essential.

On December 7, 1941, the San Francisco Fire Department consisted
of forty-seven engine companies, sixteen hook and ladder trucks, two
fire boats, twelve chemical companies, and numerous special equip-
ment. As an emergency measure, all available relief apparatus was
immediately made ready for service, manned by the officers and mem-

(7)

bers of the department, who are required to report for duty from the
off-shift when an alert is sounded. This increased the strength of the
mobile equipment by approximately 25 per cent.

Based upon the recommendations of the San Francisco Civilian De-
fense Council, and designed to meet the requirements for unification
of the communication system which links the fire service with all other
civilian defense services, the city was divided into three divisions or
zones, and the boundary lines of the eleven battalion districts were
redrawn to conform with a master plan.

In addition to its normal duties, various other tasks were assigned to
the department, principally the enrollment and training of auxiliary
firemen, organization of an arson and sabotage bureau, a fire inspection
detail at the waterfront, incendiary bomb demonstrations, fire squads
for plant protection, training of rescue squads, and numerous others.

To effectively prosecute these various activities, eight fire officers and
eighty-five firemen were added temporarily to the regular forces. To
date, we have trained and organized into squads 5,374 auxiliary fire-
men, and in order to sustain their interest in the service, and to keep
them in constant practice, weekly drills are held, during which, in
alternating districts, they actually respond to calls, connect their ap-
paratus to hydrants and lead hose to simulated fires, the same as they
would under actual fire conditions.

The present force of auxiliary firemen will not be sufficient to man
all of our auxiliary apparatus during a sustained enemy attack, and we
must continue to procure additional enlistments for this purpose.

From the funds of the Fire Protection Bond Issue, passed on June 9,
1942, substantial quantities of fire apparatus and hose have been pro-
vided, so that today we have fully equipped and actually in service,
ninety-five truck-mounted pumpers, all of 500 gallons per minute ca-
pacity.

In our shops, awaiting assembly are ninety-five additional trucks and
two hundred and thirty-six trailer pumps. The Federal Government
has delivered to us thirty-six pump-mounted trailers and fifty-nine un-
mounted pumps and trailer carriages, which will be equipped with the
necessary fittings shortly. The State Forestry Department has allotted
us two pumping engines. When all the equipment now on hand and
promised by the Federal Government is assembled and equipped, we
will have a total of 600 auxiliary fire pumps, each of 500-gallon per
minute capacity.

Our Emergency Medical Service represents a fusion of the best efforts
of the Civilian War Council, the Red Cross, the San Francisco Medical
Society, the Department of Public Health of the City and County of
San Francisco and the private hospitals. The personnel of all of these
organized medical services have already given long hours in prepar-
ing themselves for this work and can be relied upon to do everything
possible for the safety of our people. Many rehearsals have been held
and will continue to take place at regular intervals until the war is
over.

The statistics relative to the Emergency Medical Service under Civil-
ian Defense are as follows:

Red Cross Disaster Relief casualty stations 20

City operated emergency hospitals 8

Private hospitals with first-aid or casualty stations 20

Dressing stations, city and private combined 10

Private first-aid stations (industrial plants) 3

Defouling Stations 12

These make available city-wide coverage in the event of disaster —
no one section of our city being more than fifteen blocks from a com-
pletely equipped casualty station.

It may be of interest for you to note that the Federal Office of Civil-
ian Defense in January of 1942 allocated certain equipment on a loan

(8)

basis to this City and County,
equipment we have received a

Of particular interest is the amount of
against the amount allocated.

Amount Received

to Jan. 11, 1943

16,960

82,240

13,640

750

183

None

The list follows:

Amount
Item Allocated

Gas Masks 634,536

Arm Bands 38,040

Helmets— Steel 12,680

Gas-Protective Clothing 2,536

Fire-Fighting Equipment:

(a) Pumper Units 190

(The original allocation was 156
units, but on Jan. 11, 1942, after a
telephone protest to the O.C.D.
wherein I pointed out the inade-
quacy of the number of units al-
lowed, this number was raised to
190)

(b) Block Equipment (Sets) 6,417

Surgical Equipment for Med. Teams 126

Surgical Equipment for Casualty Stations 63

Stretchers 504

Cots (Folding Canvas) 1,512

First-Aid Belts 1,134

Identification Tags 634

Gas-Proof Capes 19,020

Helmets— Firemen 2,536

Firemen's Hip Boots 2,536

Firemen's Turn Out Coats 2,536

Firemen's Pants (Pairs) 2,536

Miscellaneous:

Ladders 192

Fire Hose (originally included with
pumpers) 202,000 feet

I make this last point particularly because I know that there has
been some criticism relative to the lack of much needed civilian de-
fense equipment. The answer is certainly had in the aforementioned
list of equipment allocated and received.

We knew that our people wanted the very best Civilian Defense avail-
able. Knowing this we caused a bond election for fire protection bonds
and water supply protection bonds to be presented to the electorate.
As you know, the bonds were approved by an overwhelming majority.

Even then, however, our problem was not solved. Although we had
the funds available, thereby hoping to obtain equipment more rapidly,
we found that we could not procure the necessary priorities to make
the purchases.

I have mentioned the above to show that we were not alone in our
difficulty, Washington was having its troubles as well. I do not intend
any of the foregoing statements as a criticism of the Federal Govern-
ment or any of its agencies. Total war is as new to Washington as it
is to us. We know that the prime responsibility of the Federal Govern-
ment at this time is to provide the planes, the guns, the ships, the
tanks and all the necessary equipment to defeat the Axis powers. The
armed forces come first. The civilian population must realize this. I
most certainly do.

We are probably the only city in the United States that has gone
ahead on its own and purchased this equipment whenever and wherever
we could find it without waiting for federal help.

Our record in civilian defense is excellent. I wish to thank those
member of the Board of Supervisors who have recognized our needs
and have seen fit to cooperate with us.

As I have already indicated, the second general and most important

(9)

division of the activities of the San Francisco War Council are those
under the direction of the War Services Committee.

The impact of war on San Francisco imposes many duties and obliga-
tions on our city besides providing a civilian protection organization.
We must recognize that while the protection of our lives and property
is of vital importance, we have an equally important responsibility to
the nation to do our share in the overall war effort.

San Francisco must do its share in providing salvaged materials to
bolster production. We must take the lead in making sure that our
war workers are properly fed and adequately housed in order that they
may produce to their full capacity. Federal, state and local govern-
mental authorities are now studying the problem of providing adequate
care for the children of school and pre-school age whose mothers are
working in order that they may participate in war production. The
overall estimated cost is $1, 250,000.

We are developing a block organization composed primarily of women
who will be responsible for bringing to the individual householder in-
formation as to how they can discharge their responsibilities in the
war effort, how to prepare their tin cans for salvage, and what substi-
tutes can be used for restricted foods without impairment of health.

We must continue to expand our sales of war bonds and stamps.

We must continue our efforts for the care of and recreation for ser-
vicemen.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank all those who have volun-
teered for Civilian Defense. The manner in which the citizens of this
city have worked in the various Civilian Defense services is deserving
of much praise. Those who are enrolled are doing a good job. How-
ever, we need more and more volunteers.

You, gentlemen of the Board of Supervisors, can assist the Civilian
Defense organization by bringing the message of this need to all those
with whom you come in contact.

There is a place in Civilian Defense for every man and woman in
San Francisco.

I believe that here I should enumerate the many instances wherein
it was possible for the City and County of San Francisco to cooperate
with the Federal Government in connection with the war effort.

1. Treasure Island. Pursuant to Resolution No. 1600, Series of
1939, adopted by the Board of Supervisors and approved by the Mayor,
an agreement was entered into between the City and County of San
Francisco and the United States Navy on February 3, 1941, permitting
the Navy to occupy certain portions of Treasure Island for national de-
fense purposes, without compensation to the city.

Subsequently, on April 17, 1942, the Federal Government filed a dec-
laration of intention to take title to this property under eminent domain
proceedings. This action extinguished the ten-year lease from the City
and County of San Francisco to Pan American Airways.

Negotiations are now under way to adjust any differences that may
exist between the Federal Government and the City and County of San
Francisco to the end that Treasure Island will be developed as a mu-
nicipal airport, as was intended originally.

2. Civic Auditorium. From December 3, 1941, until August 15,
1942, the 101st Coast Artillery, General Staff and Headquarters Com-
pany, occupied Larkin Hall in the Civic Auditorium at a reduced rental
equal to the actual cost of utility and janitorial services furnished by
the city.

3. Hospitality House. With the aid of the Building Trades Coun-
cil, the city constructed a Hospitality House in the Civic Center for
use by service men. Many organizations assist in the operation of this
building for the benefit of the armed forces.

4. Playground and Recreation Centers. Permission has been
granted to the United States Army for use of Funston and Potrero
Playgrounds, also Crocker Amazon Field. Recently wooden barracks
were constructed on Funston Playground to be utilized by the WAACS.

( 10 )

Portola Playground and other sites have been occupied temporarily
by the armed forces pending construction of permanent quarters.
Other playgrounds have been and are being used from time to time for
military purposes.

Many service men are enjoying free entertainment and recreation
being furnished by the San Francisco Recreation Commission, includ-
ing dancing, swimming, and other activities.

5. Water Department Lands. Eight parcels of Water Depart-
ment lands in San Mateo County have been or are being used for vari-
ous military activities.

6. Park Land Leases. Permission has been granted to the Fed-
eral Government to use about fifteen locations for housing troops and
for other military purposes. These locations include certain buildings
and space at the Polo Grounds in Golden Gate Park, the Aquatic Park
Building and Columbia Square. The Department of Immigration is
now occupying part of Sharp Park for its purposes.

7. Street Closings. During the past year, many streets have
temporarily closed in order that the land included in such areas could
be used for military or naval purposes.

8. Emergency Ordinances. On August 17, 1942, the Board of
Supervisors passed Ordinances Nos. 1755 and 1756, Series of 1939, ap-
proved by the Mayor on August 18, 1942, authorizing execution of
leases and agreements of occupancy of city-owned lands and improve-
ments by military, naval and other forces of the United States during
the existing war.

9. Rentals. In most cases, only a nominal rental is charged the
Federal Government for the use of city-owned lands and improvements
used in connection with prosecution of the war. No charge is made for
entertainment and recreation furnished by the Recreation Commission.

10. Rationing Boards and Air Raid Warden Service. A consid-
erable number of leases have been entered into by the City and County
of San Francisco, as lessee, including locations for the fifteen districts
of the War Price and Rationing Board, twelve locations for the Air
Raid Warden Service, certain space for the Civilian Defense Council,
and three garages for auxiliary fire trucks. The city is paying all of
the rentals for these locations and is also paying certain other ex-
penses.

11. San Francisco Airport. The United States Army has leased
more than one-half of the facilities at the San Francisco Airport, at a
rental of $1.00 per year. The Civil Aeronautics Authority is now regu-
lating all commercial flights to and from the airport.

12. Dim Outs. The Public Utilities Commission, Bureau of Light
and Power, has been and is cooperating at all times with the military
authorities regarding the present dim out regulations in San Fran-
cisco. Many tests and experiments are being made by the Bureau in
connection with this work.

Evidence of the satisfaction of the Army with this cooperation ap-
pears in a letter from Lt. General DeWitt, a portion of which I quote:

"I desire also to express my appreciation for your whole-
hearted cooperation during the past year. I have felt free to
call upon you on occasions during this period when the as-
sistance of your office was requisite in the discharge of my
responsibilities as military commander of the area in which
the City and County of San Francisco are situated. Your re-
sponses have been prompt and effective."

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1942, the City and County of
San Francisco expended and encumbered a total of $611,025.70 for
civilian defense purposes. Recognizing the value of preserving a rec-
ord of civilian defense costs, the Controller had his staff prepare a de-
tailed statement of these costs, and this detailed breakdown is included

(11)

in the Controller's Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1942. This
statement also includes a breakdown of the 1942-43 budget for civilian
defense, totaling $1,907,963. This makes a total exclusive of the Fire
Protection Bond funds of $2,519,000 expended and appropriated for
civilian defense to date.

In addition, the voters at a special election on June 9, 1942, ap-
proved two bond issues for civilian defense purposes — one of $3,000,000
for fire protection and one for $1,250,000 to construct a supplemental
water supply. Due to our inability to obtain priorities for construction
of the auxiliary water system, none of the bonds for this purpose have
been sold; the proceeds of the Fire Protection Bond issue have been
expended and allocated as follows:

1942 FIRE PROTECTION BOND FUND

Equipment Purchased

10,200 Stirrup Pumps $ 52,530.00

672 Shut-off nozzles 5,712.00

100,000 Ft. 2Yz" Single Jacket Hose 44,290.00

78,000 Ft. 2y2" Single Jacket Hose 34,546.20

8,300 Ft. 2y2" Double Jacket Hose 9,723.20

90 White Horse Trucks 106,605.00

12 Plymouth Coupes 14,142.84

336 Chrysler Pumping Units 271,809.00

97 Used Trucks 42,540.00

2 Three Wheel Motorcycles 1,081.50

5 High Pressure Gleason Valves 2,240.25

2,000 Lengths (50 ft.) %" Garden Hose]

2,000 %" Nozzles J- 7,333.60

2,000 %" Adapters J

420 Steel Helmets 960.99

350 Coupler Assemblies 304.50

800 Fire Axes 2,739.80

300 All service gas masks 1,931.25

Material for 30 truck bodies 4,017.00

Fabricating 30 truck bodies 1,800.00

Inner Tubes 1,995.51

Fire Department Fittings 17,535.84

Repairing and Equipping Trucks 21,000.00

Auxiliary Fire House Keys 6.44

Unloading railroad cars of 336 P. Units 118.11

Freight on 336 Pumping Units 34,070.40

Architectural Service (Aux. Houses) 3,900.00

Inspection of Bonds 250.00

Lithographing Bonds (500) 345.05

Lithographing Bonds (700) 398.10

Travel Expense a/c Truck Purchase 300.00

Auxiliary Fire House Hardware 731.28

33 Auxiliary Fire Houses 44,281.50

50 Auxiliary Fire Houses (Sign boards) 500.35

TOTAL $ 729,739.71

1942 FIRE PROTECTION BOND FUND
Equipment Requisitioned for But Not Yet Purchased

3 Battery Trucks $ 32,610.00

600 Siamese 3x3 connections 12,000.00

36 Two-way Radios 9,800.00

1 Aerial Ladder Truck 25,000.00

S,080 Steel Helmets 16,564.00

383 Trucks— (100 of these are White Horse) . . . 347,676.29

(12)

17 Auxiliary Fire Houses 21,610.00

472 Tires 5,000.00

TOTAL $ 470,260.29

Total expended 729,739.71

TOTAL BONDS SOLD $1,200,000.00

Some time ago I appointed a committee to devise ways and means
to improve San Francisco's hospitality facilities for service men. This
committee pursued its assignment most diligently and presented a re-
port based on two phases of investigation, namely, (1) surveying hos-
pitality facilities for service men in San Francisco, and (2) examining
similar efforts in other principal cities.

The committee reported "a score of ably directed hospitality centers
strategically located in this city." They found that San Francisco's
reputation for hospitality had not suffered in our treatment of service
men. The committee could find no city in the United States with a
larger number of clubs, lounges and recreational centers for service
men than in San Francisco.

San Francisco's total facilities, while not entirely comparable to those
of other communities due to our climatic advantages, are definitely
greater than those of any other city in America regardless of size, but
these facilities are not housed under one roof as they must be in places
suffering severe weather conditions. San Francisco service centers, if
housed in one building would fill a structure twenty-five stories high
and each story 63 x 100 feet in area, to be increased by twelve stories
of additional projects.

San Francisco's Hospitality House is unique among all the cities
studied. Outstanding in aggregate volume of patronage is the work
conducted by the USO through five headquarters. Another most com-
mendable example is the undertaking of the Lutheran Churches of the
Bay area, which for the past nine months have taken over the complete
facilities of the King George Hotel, housing up to 500 a night on a non-
sectarian basis and at less than cost. There are, in addition, the very
well received social services maintained by the American Red Cross
and the American Women's Voluntary Services.

The committee was especially impressed with the wide scope and
effectively conducted work of the city's own Recreation Department.
Through nine school centers a continuing program of athletic activities,
designed for the service men's own participation, is carried on. This
recreation covers almost the entire realm of sports, including basket-
ball, boxing, baseball, volley ball, soccer, rugby, and cricket. Also under
the jurisdiction of the Recreation Department are the daily free swim-
mining privileges at Crystal Pool. It also conducts several nights
weekly, dances and other forms of social recreation at three service
men's centers which it maintains. At one of these locations is estab-
lished a photography center, fully equipped and free in every respect.

Commendation should also be directed to the San Francisco League
for Service Men, an exceedingly active and efficiently operated organs
ization of local women. The League's principal work is providing nec-
essary personal equipment to service men, a canteen service to the
men located at various emergency posts within the city, as well as
other thoughtful aids which are further valued contributions to this
city's efforts in behalf of every man in the armed forces coming within
its bounds.

The committee obtained specially prepared reports of the hospitality
facilities of the cities of Washington, Boston, New York and Chicago,
and in addition interviewed governmental, military and social project
officials acquainted with the subject. The unanimous opinion has been
that San Francisco's resources of this character compare most favor-
ably, both in scope and quality. In this regard, I quote from an official
report to the committee from Mr. H. H. Stoops, Regional Recreation

( 13)

Representative, Division of Recreation of the Office of Defense Health
and Welfare Services:

"Two of the three times I have visited eastern cities the
weather was such as to force a majority of the service men in-
doors. This is no fault of these cities; nevertheless, it is my
feeling that San Francisco has something to offer which does
not create a need for one large central building. In comparing
the services of San Francisco and eastern centers, it is my own
personal belief that this city is doing as much, if not more,
for the service men as any other large city in the United
States."

One of the first steps taken by the committee was to attempt to ob-
tain as representative and frank an expression as possible, from the
morale and public relations officers of the military forces in this area.
There was not voiced in any quarter, by any military representative,
any form of criticism or even negative comment either on the adequacy
or quality of this city's hospitality services. The committee was pre-
pared to go even further in its inquiry in this respect by obtaining a
public opinion poll, based on established practices of this kind, directly
from the service men themselves, but it was found that this was an
action not consistent with military practices and discipline.

Reports on the eastern hospitality services revealed that in one me-
tropolis its services are largely concentrated under a single roof — which
has created wide attention. San Francisco, in its aggregate services,
has more extensive facilities, but due to decentralization, this is not
as widely known and appreciated by the general public. As an ex-
ample, of the score of hospitality centers in San Francisco there is the
Army and Navy YMCA on the Embarcadero with a monthly attendance
of 186,000 men and which in October, had overnight housing of 14,694;
in mid-town, a five-story USO building with an attendance during the
same month of 69,000 men; and in the Civic Center the Hospitality
House of the city itself, through which an average of 2,000 men daily
enjoy its services without cost, with an attendance of from 6,000 to
8,000 on Sundays.

Speaking of our unique Hospitality House, the labor for the con-
struction of which was donated by the Building Trades Council, I wish
to thank the nearly 400 clubs, organizations and corporations in this
city which participated in its operations and donated over $50,000
worth of foods, drinks and smoking material served free to our per-
vice men since it was opened in August of 1941.

I wish particularly to thank the ladies who so graciously worked do
many hours in serving food and distributing smoking material to our
boys visiting us in San Francisco.

Months ago we recognized that one of the most important problems
which confronted the city was that of adequate and cheap housing for
service men on leave. The major hotels in San Francisco were called
to a conference in my office and as a result established an "Emergency
Housing Bureau," which has done much to solve the problem.

The administration has been working with the USO and other organ-
izations in an effort to provide additional room space for our service
men. Our Director of Property in endeavoring to do still more in this
direction.

All in all, we have done a good job in war services. The activities
have been most diversified. I have neglected thus far to mention one
most interesting and popular phase of the War Services Committee's
activities, our Victory Garden program. This is organized on a city-
wide basis. The Park Department has made land and instruction avail-
able to our people. The School Department has a tremendous pro-
gram for the child, and adult as well, under way. The Public Utilities
Commission has taken steps to reduce water rates for victory garden
purposes as an incentive to participation in the program. This will,
in a few weeks, develop into something of which we all may well be
proud.

(14)

In my whole discussion on Civilian Defense, I have purposely re-
frained from mentioning names, for fear that I might overlook some.
Every person involved has done a splendid job, and I want to take this
opportunity to thank all those who have performed such yeoman ser-
vice for our beloved city.

Traffic and Transportation

My position on the traffic and transportation problem of the city has
been made clear. Ever since I have been Mayor, in my annual message
I have advocated unification of our railway systems as the solution to
our mass transportation problem. This can never be solved except by
a single ownership, single management and a single fare with universal
transfer.

However, before discussing mass transportation, I should like to re-
view the activities of the City Planning Commission in regard to traffic
and its close relationship to transportation. All agree that a master
plan for this city is essential for its physical development. During
the year 1942 we have undertaken the preparation of this plan.

To aid and advise the local planning staff in this work, a professional
City Planning Consultant was engaged on a part-time basis under con-
tract from September 15, 1941, to September 14, 1942. During this
period the Commission came to the conclusion that better results would
be secured through employment of a City Planner able to give con-
tinuous supervision to its technical work. The Commission therefore
contracted with a qualified professional City Planner on a full-time
basis commencing September 17 of last year. This change in direction
of the work will not, however, involve sacrifice of work previously
accomplished. All plans heretofore made or in progress will be utilized
as far as possible.

Certain accomplishments resulting from activity of the department
may be noted. Recommendations were made by the Planning Com-
mission of a new system of traffic regulation in the Central Business
District. These recommendations, which were adopted by your honor-
able Board of Supervisors and approved by me, included the introduc-
tion of certain one-way streets, limitation of parking, and left-turn
prohibitions at important intersections. The new regulations so far
inaugurated have notably reduced traffic congestion. More important
than that, they have reduced traffic fatalities. Studies of traffic move-
ment are continuing and it is contemplated that additional regulations
will be proposed from time to time. The object is to make the most
efficient use of existing street facilities and to improve mass transpor-
tation for war workers.

The program of general activity as outlined in our report of last year
is being followed and needs no repetition here. Work on the Master
Plan has been accelerated. The Commission believes that great benefit
will accrue to the city through early completion of the main features
of the Master Plan. Post-war recovery will be based largely upon the
accumulated needs of the cities of the nation. Those cities prepared
with far-sighted, practicable plans will be in the best position to serve
their people. Post-war planning as it is now carried forward in San
Francisco is concerned directly with the well-being of the average citi-
zen in the years of peace which lie ahead.

Discussion of city planning and of the Master Plan is closely asso-
ciated with the problems of mass transportation which have been with
us for a long time. A solution is more urgent today than ever before
as a contribution to the war effort and as a step toward the greatly
improved transportation system that we must have when the war ends
and new equipment becomes available.

As a first and major step toward such a solution, negotiations "were
conducted by the Public Utilities Commission and me with officials of
the Market Street Railway Company in the latter part of 1940 looking
toward acquisition by the city of the private company's operating prop-
erties.

(15)

Agreement was reached to purchase these properties on a lease-pur-
chase out of earnings basis. The proposal was placed before the Board
of Supervisors for approval on May 26, 1942. However, after months
of delay, the lease-purchase out of earnings plan was rejected by your
Honorable Board which on September 15, 1942, voted to submit a char-
ter amendment to the voters providing for the direct purchase of these
properties by revenue bonds in the sum of $7,950,000.

The best evidence of the equity of this price of $7,950,000 may be
had from the following valuations placed on the Market Street Rail-
way Properties by various agencies:

Market Street Railway Company $17,237,202

State Railroad Commission — Reproduction Cost New

Less Depreciation to 6/30/42 13,644,075

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission 9,957,000

State Board of Equalization 9,244,000

Controller of City and County of San Francisco 9,014,923

We can see therefore that the proposed purchase price of $7,950,000
was over one million dollars less than the lowest valuation and more
than 9 million less than the highest estimate.

In spite of these facts and others equally impressive, the proposal
failed of approvel by a margin of approximately 6,000 votes, or less
than 2 per cent of the registered voters.

Failure of the measure to pass, I believe, was due to a misunderstand-
ing of the nature of the proposal and of the seriousness of the situa-
tion, as well as to confusion, which is inevitable when so many issues
are on the ballot as was the case on November 3.

It was said by some that we were "buying junk" for the $7,950,000.

Admitting for the sake of discussion only that the Market Street
Railway electric and cable cars are truly just "junk" and taking the
State Railroad Commission Reproduction Cost New Less Depreciation
as of June 30, 1942, figure of $2,748,688 for these items and subtracting
it from the Railroad Commission valuation we have $10,895,387.

In other words, even if we paid nothing for the electric and cable
cars the $7,950,000 price is still almost three million dollars less than
the remaining valuation.

I am firmly convinced that the purchase is good business.

The rejection by the voters of the purchase of the Market Street Rail-
way Company's properties solved nothing. We were and still are faced
with an ever-increasing transportation problem. Unless we take advan-
tage of this opportunity the Market Street Railway may continue to
operate for the balance of its franchise — 14 long years — during which
time the profits will continue to enrich the private corporation.

At the end of that time we still will face the problem of whether to
acquire their properties or be prepared to put into service an entirely
new system at a cost of many millions of dollars.

The demands upon the already overtaxed facilities of the Municipal
Railway are growing daily, while the full facilities of the Market
Street Railway Company have not been utilized and cannot be utilized
until unification is effected.

Our job is to educate the people as to the necessity for unification,
which may include the ironing out of some objections which developed
after your Honorable Board had approved the submission of the amend-
ment to the people.

If the Board should see fit again to submit this proposition to the
people, as recommended by the Public Utilities Commission and me,
then with the complete cooperation and teamwork of this Board, all
public officials, the press and civic organizations, the job can be done.

In my opinion, and in the opinion of the Public Utilities Commission,
the best plan for direct purchase was and still is the revenue bond
proposal submitted to the people on November 3, 1942. In consonance
with this considered opinion, the Public Utilities Commission presented
the following statement to your Honorable Board on November 16,

(16)

1942, proposing the resubmission to the voters of the revenue bond
proposal with corrections, deletions and additions deemed necessary
for the purchase of the Market Street Railway Company's properties:

"Since the November 3rd elections, several meetings among
civic leaders and city officials have been held looking toward
some new solution of the city's mass transportation problem.

"None of the new plans proposed has been agreed upon.

"The only alternative plan that Mr. Samuel Kahn, president
of Market Street Railway Company, will accept was the plan
presented by Supervisor MacPhee at a meeting held Monday
night, November 9, 1942. In this plan, Supervisor MacPhee
proposed a straight 7-cent fare on Municipal Railway and a
universal transfer. That was the only plan proposed by him
that was acceptable to Mr. Kahn.

"On Friday, November 13, 1942, Mr. MacPhee amplified his
original plan by adding section 6 proposing a two-year option
to purchase, which was wholly unacceptable to Mr. Kahn.

"A copy of each of these plans is attached.

"The Public Utilities Commission firmly believes that the
revenue bond proposal was the best solution to the problem
and that it still stands as the best solution.

"The real problem is to sell it to the people.

"The Mayor, the Public Utilities Commission and the Board
of Supervisors by unanimous vote before election, agreed that
the first step toward a permanent solution was adoption of a
plan embodying the essential features of unification, namely:

"1. A uniform fare.

"2. A universal transfer.

"3. A uniform wage scale.

"4. Operation under a single management.

"All these advantages, and more, were contained in the reve-
nue bond plan which was supported by the four metropolitan
daily newspapers and by large numbers of organizations for
civic betterment.

"The results of the November 3rd election cannot reasonably
be construed as a final mandate from the people against uni-
fication of the city's street railway systems.

"Less than 28 per cent of the registered voters were against
acquisition.

"More than 26 per cent cast their ballots in favor of acquisi-
tion.

"The remainder, amounting to 164,202, did not even express
an opinion one way or the other.

"The latest figures from the office of the Registrar of Voters
tells the story:

"Total number of registered voters 367,352

Number who actually voted 228,704

Number who voted, but not on Proposition No. 26 33,461

Number (less absentee ballots) who did not vote on

No. 26 164,202

Number of absentee ballots 2,902

Number who voted for acquisition (No. 26) 94,243

Number who voted against No. 26 100,904

Number of votes by which No. 26 failed to pass 6,761

"Thus, it becomes obvious that the margin of loss was less
than 2 per cent of the registered voters and that by a swing
of only 3381 votes the revenue bond measure would have
carried. . . .

". . . This is the third occasion on which the acquisition
of Market Street Railway Company by the city has been re-

(17)

jected by the voters. But it is worthy of note that the vote
has been increasingly more favorable at each election, as indi-
cated by the following records:

Date Yes No Margin of loss

11-3-25 12.435 87,315 74,880

9-27-38 52,680 93,979 41,299

11-3-42 94,243 100,904 6,761

"The record parallels the history of acquisition by the city
of the Spring Valley Water Company. There is significance
in the fact that the Spring Valley Water Company's price be-
came increasingly greater each election, as the following record
shows:

"Spring Valley Purchase

(Genera

obligation bonds

requiring two-thirds majority

to carry)

Date

Amount

Yes

No

1-14-10

$35,000,000

22,068

11,722

4-20-15

34,500,000

39,951

33,455

3- 8-21

38,000,000

43,073

30,992

6-14-27

40,000,000

41,463

28,611

5- 1-28

41,000,000

82,490

21,175 (carried)

"Thus, although there elapsed a period of approximately 18
years between the first and final elections on Spring Valley
purchase, the people nonetheless voted for acquisition. A period
of approximately 18 years will have elapsed between the first
and final elections on acquisition of Market Street Railway if
the revenue bond measure is resubmitted to the people within
the next few months, and, if they are given all the facts, we
believe the measure will carry.

"The city's experience in acquisition of the Geary Street rail
line, which was the beginning of Municipal Railway, was
similar.

"The following tabulation tells the story:

''Municipal Railway

(General obligation bonds requiring two-thirds majority

to

carry)

Date

Amount

Yes

No

12- 2-02

10- 8-03

6-24-09

12-30-09

$ 700,000

710,000

1,950,000

1,900,000

15,071
14,351
14,404
31,151

11,331
10,790
7,805
11,704 (carried)

"The above provides an even closer parallel, whereby the
people voted against acquisition of the Geary line on June 24,
1909, yet on December 30 of that same year voted three to one
in favor of it.

"We feel there is no point in further discussion of the sev-
eral plans brought forward since the November 3rd election
for the following reasons:

"1. Majority support for none of these plans has been obtain-
able.

"2. Any new plan looking toward immediate solution would
have to be agreeable to Market Street Railway and to be so
would have to be to their financial advantage.

"They are already committed, however, to the revenue bond
plan. Before the election, the Mayor, the Public Utilities Cora-

(18)

mission and the Board of Supervisors by a vote of 11-0 were
agreed upon it. The only reason that plan is not now going
into effect is the fact that 3381 registered voters out of a total
registration of 367,352 voted "no" instead of "yes."

"The question of fare is part of the transportation problem.
It is obvious that the fare will have to be sufficient to meet all
obligations, but that is true whether the railways are unified
or whether they remain under separate ownership.

"The present revenues of the two roads will permit a 6-cent
fare, give the universal transfer, pay the costs of a uniform
wage scale, greatly improve service, pay all operating expenses,
pay bond interest and redemption and leave more than $1,500,-
000 per year for reconstruction, replacements, deferred main-
tenance and rehabilitation in the post-war period. These reve-
nues should be increased when gasoline rationing begins.

"The revenue bond plan, properly presented, will not only
break the wartime traffic bottleneck, it will provide a substan-
tial reserve for the much-needed program of rehabilitation
after the war.

"Those who were for the plan November 3rd will still be for
it. We believe that many of those who opposed it because they
misunderstood its nature and the seriousness of our transpor-
tation problem, will now support it. The various minor fea-
tures of the plan which encountered opposition may be amended
or removed.

"It is unthinkable that by failure to reach a solution now,
we should have with us another 14 years the problems of dual
operation, dual fare structure and dual administration with-
out service improvement and without the universal transfer.

"The Public Utilities Commission, as stated above, is of the
opinion that the revenue bond measure was the best plan
before election and that it still is the best plan.

"The Commission therefore recommends, and the Mayor con-
curs, that the revenue bond measure, with its objectionable
features removed or amended, be resubmitted to the people at
the appropriate time. The date, of course, would have to be
before adjournment of the coming session of the State Legis-
lature so as to assure ratification of the charter amendment
as required by law."

The proposal of the Public Utilities Commission that the revenue
bond proposal be resubmitted at a special election was referred to
the Joint Finance and Public Utilities Committee of your Honorable
Board. To date this committee has held two meetings — one on Janu-
ary 7, 1943, and one on January 14, 1943, when it was voted to present
this matter to the Board sitting as a committee of the whole, on Feb-
ruary 1, 1943.

At this last meeting of the Joint Committee the question was raised
as to the wisdom of resubmitting the proposition to the people. We can
only profit by past experience. The fact that this proposition has been
turned down does not represent the final judgment of the voters as
evidenced by the city's experience in the acquisition of a municipal
railway and the Spring Valley properties.

The acquisition of Spring Valley properties was submitted to the
voters many times before it was approved, yet on the final submission
the "yes" vote was almost double that of the previous election.

Profiting by past experience, there is no valid reason why the mat-
ter can't "be resubmitted to the people. I believe that if the question
is resubmitted immediately at a special election when there will be
no other propositions on the ballot to confuse the issue, the voters will
approve it.

(19)

Is a special election necessary? I say that it is, for two reasons:
(1) until we can decide upon the unification of our two railway sye
terns, our transportation problem remains unsolved; and (2),
in mind that the proposition is an amendment to our charter and
unless such amendment can be ratified by the present session of the
Legislature, in all probability we would have to wait two more years
to enjoy the benefits of the amendment.

I am firmly convinced that this is the only solution to our trans-
portation problem, and urge that this question be resubmitted to the
voters of San Francisco at the earliest possible moment. I have faith
in the intelligence and fairness of San Francisco voters, and am con-
vinced that if they are given all the facts the measure will carry.

I quote herewith a copy of a report made by the Manager of Utilities
to the Public Utilities Commission, dated January 19, 1943, on the sub-
ject of the beneficial results to be expected through consolidation, which
the Public Utilities Commission has adopted, and which I approve:

"PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

Office of January 19, 1943.

Manager of Utilities.

"Commissioners:

Lewis F. Byington, President

George Filmer, "Vice-President

John P. McLaughlin

Sam McKee

W. I. Kohnke.

"Gentlemen:

"I have made a careful study of the beneficial results to be
obtained by consolidation of the Municipal and Market Street
Railways by reason of the purchase of the latter properties for
the sum of $7,950,000.

"In view of the shortage of critical materials and necessary
funds for capital expenditures, this study has necessarily been
confined to the use of the present facilities available on the
two systems.

"The increase in revenue, since gasoline rationing became
effective on December 1, 1942, has amounted to over 42 per
cent for both railways over the same period one year ago, and
it is possible that this gain may be even greater when the rub-
ber situation becomes more acute than it is at present, and
with continued increase in population.

"The following are some of the benefits which I believe will
be obtained by reason of the proposed consolidation:

"(1) Universal Transfers. The institution of a universal
transfer system will prove to be of great benefit to the people
of San Francisco because they will be able to travel between
any sections of the city in the most expeditious manner pos-
sible and with the payment of a single fare. This policy has
been advocated by the Public Utilities Commission for many
years, but would not be practical except where a uniform fare
prevails.

"(2) Uniform Fare. The present differential in fare be-
tween the two street railway systems has produced a condi-
tion of unequal distribution of patronage, whereby some lines
are greatly overcrowded while other lines are not carrying
capacity loads. A uniform fare will restore normal redistribu-
tion of patronage.

"(8) Market Street Service Improvement. At the present
time the Municipal Railway has reached the saturation point

(20)

in its utilization of the outer tracks on Market Street, espe-
cially between Fremont and Sansome Streets. The inner tracks
of the Market Street Railway Company are not fully utilized,
in fact ten years ago the Market Street Railway Company
had seventy-seven more street cars in service on Market Street
than they now have. Nineteen hundred car trips are oper-
ated daily on the outside tracks between Fremont and San-
some Streets and eleven hundred car trips daily on the inside
tracks.

"Merger of the two systems will make possible a redistribu-
tion of cars on Market Street, thereby gaining a full utiliza-
tion of all four tracks. This realignment of service will
improve car speed.

"It is proposed that of the thirty-five Market Street Railway
cars now available and not in service, seven will be added to
each of the Market Street lines, 'J', 'K', 'L', and 'N', and
seven to the lines on Mission Street, which is now inadequately
served by a combination street car and bus service.

"(4) Additional Equipment Now Owned by the Market
Street Railway Company Will Be Available for Operation, as
Follows: Thirty-five cars in good condition. Eighty-four cars
in storage, approximately forty of which could, by overhauling,
become available for service.

"Use of this existing equipment, which is all the equipment that
San Francisco is going to be able to get until after the war, will
enable the combined system to carry 20,000 more passengers
at peak load hours than can be transported now.

"(5) Sunset District Coach Line. It is proposed to estab-
lish a bus line which will extend from Forty-sixth Avenue and
Taraval Street over Forty-sixth Avenue to a point nearly mid-
way between the 'N' line and the 'L' line, and thence into the
downtown district. It will take some of the load off the 'N'
and 'L' lines, which are now overcrowded, particularly during
the peak periods.

"(G) Extension of Silver Avenue Bus Line into Hunters1
Point. This extension will provide service for the residents in
the Hunters' Point and a portion of the Bay View districts,
also the war workers in the dry docks, direct to the Mission
District.

"(7) Express Service from the Bay View District to the
Downtown Area. It is proposed by this extension to provide
direct downtown service to the residents of the Bay View Dis-
trict, no stops being made between Mission Street and Evans
Avenue.

"(8) Balboa Line Extension. For some time past there has
been a demand that the No. 31 Balboa line be extended to the
Beach. This can very readily be done by laying tracks on
Balboa from Twenty-ninth to Thirty-third Avenues.

"(9) Faster Service on Nos. 6 and 17 — Haight Street Lines.
It is proposed to operate the No. 6 (Haight Street) line
through the Sunset Tunnel, reducing travel time very mate-
rially. It is also proposed to turn the No. 17 line onto Judah
Street at Twentieth Avenue and operate over the Judah Street
tracks and through the Sunset Tunnel, reducing travel time
considerably.

"(10) General Increase in Service. The acquisition of ad-
ditional equipment above referred to will enable us to also
increase service on the lines operating into the Park-Presidio
District, as well as those heavily traveled trunk lines, such as
the 'B,' 'D,' 'F,' 'J,' 'K,' 'L' and 'N' lines. The present service
on the No. 12 line, operating between the Ferry and Fleish-

(21)

hacker Park is inadequate to meet the traffic demand and will
have additional equipment.

"(11) Increased Shop Facilities. For many years the shop
and garage facilities of the Municipal Railway have been in-
adequate to meet the demands placed upon them. This is
particularly true at the present time when it is so difficult to
obtain automotive parts. The Market Street Railway Com-
pany has extensive shop facilities at its Blkton Yards, which
include necessary machinery for repairs and manufacture of
both equipment and track structures.

"The Market Street Railway is now manufacturing in it own
foundry many automotive parts, thereby eliminating the delay
in receiving material with a consequent loss in use of equip-
ment. Under consolidation, these facilities will also be avail-,
able for the Municipal Railway.

"In addition, the Market Street Railway now has several
pieces of operative property suitable for use as a central bus
garage, and while it would not be possible to obtain at this
time the construction material necessary to install perma-
nent garage facilities, these properties will be used advan-
tageously on a temporary basis.

"(12) Economy of Operation. Study has been made of the
possibility of consolidating car barns, with a resulting saving
in dead mileage.

"(IS) Extension of the Stockton Street Line from Market
Street and Stockton to the Southern Pacific Depot via Fourth
Street. The present terminal of this line at Stockton and Mar-
ket Streets produces a bottleneck, delay in the movement of all
types of traffic at this point.

"The extension of this line will remove this obstacle and in
addition will furnish direct transportation to resident of the
Marina District to the Southern Pacific Depot.

"(14) Bus Line Connecting the Miraloma Park District
with Eureka Valley. This proposed bus line will furnish
needed transportation to residents of both the Miraloma Park
District and the Upper Market-Eureka Valley District.

"(15) Storage Lot at Funston Avenue and Irving Street.
The block of land extending from Funston Avenue to Four-
teenth Avenue and from Lincoln Way to Irving Street will
have all cars and rails removed, thus doing away with its
unsightly appearance. I recommend that the property be sold
for residential purposes.

"(16) Immediate Repairing of Track Areas on Outer Mar-
ket Street, Fulton Street and Other Streets. Street paving in
the track areas of many parts of the city, particularly on the
inner tracks on Market Street west of Valencia, and on Fulton
Street from Stanyan to Forty-fifth Avenue, is in very bad con-
dition and will be repaired immediately. I recommend that
under consolidation the entire right of way paving situation be
surveyed and that the condition be corrected wherever neces-
sary.

"(17) Universal 6-cent Fare. Combined revenues of both the
Market Street Railway Company and the Municipal Railway
are sufficient to make consolidated operation of the properties
profitable on a 6-cent fare. I, therefore, recommend that a
city-wide 6-cent fare, with universal transfers, which will per-
mit city-wide travel on a single fare, be established after con-
solidation of the railway system.

"I recommend that the California Street Cable Railroad also
be purchased by the city and operated as a part of the munici-
pal Railway on a 6-cent fare and with universal transfers.

(22)

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"The Municipal Railway has sufficient funds available to
buy the California Street Cable Railroad. No bond issue will
be necessary for the purchase.

"Summarizing the above, I recommend that San Francisco
purchase the Market Street Railway Company and the Califor-
nia Street Railroad. I believe that consolidation of the street
railways will enable the Municipal Railway to provide proper
transportation for the heavy demand now being placed upon
it due to the war emergency.

"Very truly yours,

"(Signed) E. G. CAHILL,

"Manager of Utilities."

Inasmuch as the many months already consumed- in investigation,
inquiry and comparison of plans have made all the issues quite plain,
there remains no reasonable ground for argument save in the lan-
guage of the charter amendment or the necessity for resubmitting
it. The current congestion on the city's mass transportation systems
appears to me to be adequate argument in favor of resubmission and
of the urgent need for speed in so doing.

Post War Program

Even before the United States became an active belligerent in the
war against the Axis powers, the Federal Government had recognized
the fact that when what was then the rearmament program was over,
there would be a period of widespread unemployment unless plans were
made in the meantime for a program of public works to be inaugurated
at the close of the emergency period or whenever economic conditions
warranted.

This awareness resulted in the formation of Public Work Reserve,
an agency sponsored by the Federal Works Agency and co-sponsored
by the National Resources Planning Board. The function of this
agency was to work with the various communities in the nation in de-
veloping an inventory of needed public improvements, which would
be held in reserve until the need arose to put this program into
operation.

At the request of Mr. Terrell McKenzie, then State Director of Pub-
lic Work Reserve, I called a meeting of all department heads and com-
missions of the city and county government on November 21, 1941, at
which meeting Mr. McKenzie explained in detail the objectives of
Public Work Reserve, and all departments of the city and county gov-
ernment were invited to submit projects for public improvements under
this program.

Less than a month thereafter, the Japanese had delivered their sneak
attack on Pearl Harbor, and what had been a rearmament program
immediately developed into an all-out war effort, with the consequent
mushrooming of shipbuilding and other defense activities.

In the thirteen months that have elapsed since Pearl Harbor, San
Francisco and the Bay area has seen many of its industries converted
from peace time pursuits to the manufacture of weapons of war or into
operations ancillary thereto, with the consequent influx of tens of
thousands of war workers from other sections of the country, many
of whom undoubtedly will remain after the war is over.

This makes it all the more important that we prepare now for
the readjustment period which must follow the cessation of hostilities.
The need to plan now is emphasized by the National Resources Plan-
ning Board in their pamphlet "Post War Planning" issued in Septem-
ber, 1942, and from which I quote:

"There are those who contend that we should not plan now,
but should wait until the end of the war and then begin to
plan. To wait until the war is over will be to wait until it is

( 23)

too late. When the war ends, some 70 billion dollars of war
expenditure must be diverted into peace channels; when the
war ends, 30 million war workers must be brought back again
to tasks of peace. Great industries must be reorganized and
reconverted. Many communities with war industries must be
reorganized. Vast dislocations of men, materials, capital, must
be relocated.

"In all these fields work is under way. It is not glamorous
or headline activity. But if patiently and steadily the steps of
formulation, discussion, revision and blue-printing can be pur-
sued, the end of the war will find us ready to implement the
ideas and ideals of our people in positive post-war action.
This is the only way social progress has ever been achieved.
It is the way in which we shall win the new rights and free-
doms of man after this war.

"Of course the claims of men and materials for victory
should and must have priority, but there is still room and need
for careful preconsideration of the problems that are certain
to come with peace, before the armistice brings that battling
to a close. Labor, business, agriculture, instinctively recog-
nize this as true and begin to make their preparations. All
countries in the world recognize this and are making their
various kinds of plans for the after-the-war period. Post-war
preparation is not Utopian planning. The real Utopians are
those who refuse to recognize the necessity of taking thought
in advance, who foolishly believe that somehow the 30 million
war workers will automatically fit into some perfect pattern
of employment, in some great miracle of performance.

"This is a free country where men may think as they like
and express their views, but many prefer to take thought in
advance of the hour when trouble will descend upon us. It
is a tragic truth that nations have been ready to prepare to
any extent for war, but have not taken the time to prepare for
peace. Hence the possible gains of the war have often been
lost in the aftermath of the war."
In furtherance of this program, the various departments of the city
and county have developed and filed with Public Work Reserve over
390 individual projects for needed public improvements with an esti-
mated cost of over $370,000,000, and other projects still are being de-
veloped.

A summary of the various projects, segregated by sponsoring de-
partments, and with a brief description of the purpose of each, may
be of interest.

In number of projects and magnitude of proposed expenditure the
Department of Public Works leads with 100 projects for freeways, tun-
nels and highway improvements with an estimated cost of $151,940,000,
together with 53 projects totalling an estimated $24,290,000 for the
modernization of the sewer system in San Francisco and for the con-
struction of new sewage treatment plants.

Second in line are the public utilities, which filed as follows:
Hetch Hetchy Water Supply and

Power Project 16 projects $48,155,543

San Francisco Water Department.. 40 " 17,891,000

Municipal Railway 16 " 2,528,090

Street Lighting 80 " 2,513,300

Airport 5 " 2,174,800

Total 157 projects $73,262,733

The Hetch Hetchy program embraces the development of the Lake
Eleanor-Cherry River section, complete with power house; power
houses at O'Shaughnessy Dam, Early Intake and Red Mountain Bar;
a new pipe line across the San Joaquin Valley; and an additional

(24)

power transmission line from Moccasin to Newark. Plans now are
being drawn for a power line from Newark to San Francisco.

The projects filed by the Water Department would modernize the
San Francisco distribution system, including new filtration plants, new
reservoirs, replacement of pipes, etc.

The 16 projects for the Municipal Railway provide for track replace-
ment; track reconstruction; and the construction of new repair shop,
paint shop, main storeroom, bus garage and storage sheds.

The Bureau of Light, Heat and Power projects provide for the mod-
ernization of street lighting throughout the city and the construction
of additional city-owned street lighting facilities.

The Airport projects cover the extension of existing runways; im-
provements to roadways, runways, and breakwater; and relocation of
roads and reclamation of grounds.

Proposed improvements by the Board of Education total 19 projects
with an estimated cost of $7,137,100, which includes completion of
San Francisco Junior College; construction of new elementary schools
for newly developed districts; new auditoriums; additional classrooms,
gymnasiums and other improvements for existing schools; construction
of athletic fields, etc.

Next in line is the Fire Department, which proposed four projects
for extensions to the existing high-pressure system totalling $3,406,500;
also the construction of a headquarters building, the construction of
16 new fire houses, and the reconstruction of 32 fire houses, at a total
estimated cost of $2,476,000.

The Recreation Department filed six projects at an estimated cost of
$1,129,502 to provide field houses at four playgrounds, baseball fields
and bleachers at the Crocker-Amazon playground and development of
the Longfellow playground.

The Board of Trustees of the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum
filed nine projects totalling $1,014,824, the most expensive project being
the erection of the monastery Santa Maria de Orvila, which was
brought to this country from Spain and donated to the city by Wil-
liam Randolph Hearst. There also are included a warehouse; rehabili-
tation of the existing building; provision for new museum quarters;
and offices and an extension of the west wing.

The Health Department filed 11 projects totalling $668,128 to cover
improvements at the San Francisco Hospital and Laguna Honda
Home; an emergency center in the Richmond district and in the Bay
View district; additions to the Hassler Health Home, nurses' homes
at the Isolation Hospital and San Francisco Hospital; a laundry at the
San Francisco Hospital; and an internes' dormitory in the Adminis-
tration wing.

The Police Department filed 10 projects totalling $583,450, including
a new Traffic Bureau and Courts Building, Academy and training
grounds, and the remodeling and alterations of the various existing
police stations.

The Public Library filed 10 projects at an estimated cost of $437,800,
providing for six new library buildings and four branch libraries.

The San Francisco Housing Authority has in prospect six low-cost
housing projects with an estimated total cost of $4,034,832 which they
have been forced to delay for the time being because of difficulties en-
countered in obtaining materials. These six projects are not in the
same category as those previously mentioned because the Housing
Authority has the funds on hand with which to complete these projects
and all of the land has been purchased. These projects merely have
been delayed due to war conditions and it is the intention of the Hous-
ing Authority to proceed with them as soon as conditions will permit.
However, these projects are included herein because they represent
work which will be available for the purpose of employing men and
materials when the rush of war contracts is over.

Although the preliminary work of compiling the estimated costs and
descriptive matter on all these aforementioned projects has been com-
pleted, there still remains the most important part of this program —

(25)

the preparation of detailed plans, specifications and estimates of costs.
The preparation of these detailed specifications and cost estimates
involves considerable expense. I am not yet informed as to what may
be expected as the total cost of preparing such plans and specifications,
but I am informed that, roughly, 3 per cent of the total estimated cost
of each project is a conservative estimate. This would mean that for
all the projects filed to date, it would require approximately $7,000,000
to prepare detailed engineering plans and specifications.

It is out of the question for San Francisco to appropriate such a
sum for this purpose but it may be possible for us to secure either
Federal or State subventions to prepare such data for at least the most
desirable and pressing of these improvement projects.

Originally it appeared a likelihood that the Federal Government,
through Public Work Reserve, either would advance funds or provide
the personnel for the preparation of these plans and specifications.
Unfortunately, though, the appropriation bill creating Public Work Re-
serve was found to be defective, and as a result that agency closed its
local office in June, 1941, thus eliminating this possibility. However,
the widespread interest in post-war planning, as evidenced by the ac-
tivities of the National Resources Planning Board, the California
State Planning Board, the local groups and associations — would appear
to indicate that some Federal or State aid may be anticipated, either
through the re-establishment by the new Congress of Public Work
Reserve or by the creation of a substitute therefor.

In the meantime, the Chief Administrative Officer and the Manager
of Utilities have stated their intention to employ their engineering
forces, during whatever spare time may be available, toward the de-
velopment of cost estimates and plans and specifications for projects
already submitted to Washington. Whatever the method employed, it
is vitally important that, when the post-war adjustment appears, San
Francisco has available a number of completely detailed projects so
that we will not, as during the last W. P. A. and P. W. A. program, be
"caught short" in the distribution of Federal aid.

All the proposed improvements filed thus far represent decidedly
utilitarian projects, well conceived and practical in application. Many
of them would result in increased revenue more than sufficient to off-
set in a depreciable period the cost thereof. Therefore, it is incumbent
upon us, as forward-looking officials of this great city, to do all in our
power to further these projects. By doing this, we not only will pre-
pare to give employment to our citizens during the readjustment
period, but also will avoid the waste and inefficiency of the P. W. A.
and W. P. A. programs of the early '30's. We want no more leaf-raking
or other such boon-doggling projects after we have crystallized the
Axis.

War Housing Center

The furnishing of living quarters for the thousands of war workers
who have been coming to San Francisco in ever-increasing numbers,
began to appear as a problem early last year. This problem reached
the acute stage last fall, and as a result, I recommended and your
honorable Board approved the appropriation of funds to establish and
maintain the San Francisco War Housing Center at 50 Post Street.
This was established in cooperation with the Federal Government, as
represented by the National Housing Agency, and furnishes a central-
ized location where war workers can go to list their housing needs.
How well this Center has functioned can best be told by quoting the
report of Mr. Fred H. Palmer, Manager:

(26)

"NATIONAL HOUSING AGENCY
"San Francisco

"War Housing Center, 50 Post Street

"January 19, 1943.
"Honorable Angelo J. Rossi
Mayor, City and County of San Francisco
City Hall
San Francisco, California.

"Dear Mayor:

"I take pleasure in informing you that the San Francisco
War Housing Center in the past two and one-half months since
it has been in operation has received 9,300 applications for
housing. During this time it is estimated by careful tally that
we have placed over 1,700 of these applicants.

"I am glad to report that we are constantly gaining in the
number of listings recorded daily. During the first month we
received about 30 listings a day and during the first two weeks
in January we received 842 listings of available space; how-
ever, 75 per cent of these were where families had to share
kitchen and bath facilities with other members living in the
household. It is my sincere hope that when the Government
Conversion Plan gets under way that this will be corrected.

"The War Housing Center now employs 15, all of whom are
paid by the National Housing Agency, with a payroll of $25,000
per annum. In addition to these employees, the Home Owners'
Loan Company and the Federal Public Housing Authority
have 10 employees now operating in this office. The budget of
the San Francisco War Housing Center has to supply these em-
ployees with telephone, furniture, stationery, etc.

"By the time the budget of 1943-44 goes into effect it is con-
servatively estimated that we will be housing over 1,000 fam-
ilies per month and it is my sincere belief that a large number
of these families will become permanent residents of the City
and County of San Francisco.

"Very truly yours,
"(Signed) FRED E. PALMER, Manager,

San Francisco War Housing Center."

The cost of operating this Center is borne partly by the City and
County of San Francisco, partly by the Federal Government, and partly
by the Hotel Emergency Housing Bureau.

The urgency with which I view this situation is evidenced by the
following statement which I issued on last Thursday:

"The crying need for shelter to house the thousands of war
workers, who have poured into San Francisco and who con-
tinue to arrive daily in vast throngs, presents a major problem
to the city and its citizens.

"The war effort will lag unless we house these workers.
"To win the war we must produce ships, munitions and
equipment.

"To do this, we must keep workers on the job.
"To keep them on the job, we must house them.
"All new private housing construction has been stopped by
the Federal Government. Therefore, I ask you to 'Put a Roof
Over a War Worker's Family' by:
"Listing all vacancies.
"Sharing your home.

"Remodeling to provide more living units, or
"Leasing your property to the Federal Government to re-
model for you.

(27)

"Go to the War Housing Center, 50 Post Street, where you
can list your vacancies and get information on loans to re-
model your property.

"I urge you to cooperate.

"ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor,

and President, San Francisco Civilian
War Council."

Juvenile Delinquency

This problem was discussed in considerable detail in my message
for last year. The Boys' Ranch School was moved from Gualala in
Mendocino County to La Honda in San Mateo County, where 620 acres
of land were purchased for this school at a cost of $25,000.

Originally it was estimated that the total cost of constructing ade-
quate housing and other facilities at the new location would cost about
$75,000. However, the Juvenile Court Department was successful in
securing from the State, without cost, buildings formerly used by
S. R. A. The cost of rehabilitating these buildings and the installa-
tion of electrical, plumbing and sewage disposal facilities aggregate
$40,602. All but $5,000 of this total represented savings by the Juven-
ile Court Department in the appropriation for Maintenance of Minors.

One of the problems resulting from the tremendous influx of new-
comers to San Francisco, was that of an increase in juvenile delin-
quency. In order to cope with the problem, I appointed a special com-
mittee on October 1, 1942. This committee met with representatives
of the taverns, motion picture theaters, hotels, brewers and liquor dis-
tributors, with the result that these people not only pledged their full
cooperation but also indicated their willingness to engage special em-
ployees for the purpose of keeping minors out of bars and discourag-
ing them from attending late performances at the motion picture
theaters.

This committee also proposed and drafted the so-called "curfew ordi-
nance" which has been passed by your honorable Board and approved
by me. This committee is doing a good job, and all their recommen-
dations will be given my continued support.

Venereal Disease Control

Another problem presented by the thousands of troops passing
through San Francisco, and by the thousands of war workers coming
here, is that of prostitution and resultant venereal disease. This is
nothing new — armies from time immemorial have been preyed upon
by camp followers, and every concentration point for troops always is
beset by these harpies.

San Francisco was faced with this problem and steps have been
taken to cope with it. During 1942 a program was inaugurated for
the establishment of a separate court for women sex offenders, with a
centralized headquarters in which will be coordinated the activities of
the Police Department, Health Department and District Attorney, with
the coordinated assistance of the Adult Probation Department for those
offenders who appear possible of rehabilitation.

This program, while aimed primarily at the prevention of venereal
disease, is an enlightened one in which rehabilitation of the offenders
and their removal from the field of prostitution will occupy the efforts
of all agencies concerned.

Quarters have been established in the Central Emergency Hospital,
after necessary alterations; the total costs of this program are as fol-
lows:

Alterations — Central Emergency Hospital $13,130

District Attorney 287

Police Department 3,915

(28 )

Adult Probation Department ($1,477, $3,126) 4,605

Health Department ' 1,372

Total $23,309

Harbor Control

I have always contended that we should have the right to control
and administer our own harbor. However, since the harbor area is in
command of the military, and will be until the war is over, I deem it
advisable that nothing be done on this problem now.

State Taxes and Subventions

In my message last year I stated that I considered San Francisco to
be unfairly treated under the present method by which the State allo-
cates subventions, in the form of shared taxes, to the various munici-
palities. The disparity between the amounts collected by the State
from San Francisco citizens and the amounts returned to San Fran-
cisco in subventions, has continued.

For example, the following statement shows the amounts estimated
to have been collected by the State from San Francisco during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1942:

Statement Showing Revenues Collected by State of California
for General and Special Purposes for Fiscal Year Ended
June SO, 19Jj2, and Proportion of Such Revenues Contributed
by City of San Francisco, Estimated on a Population Basis.

Total State

FOR GENERAL FUND:
Bank and Corporation Franchise

and Income Taxes $ 34,393,734

Inheritance Tax

Insurance Companies Taxes

Motor Vehicle Transportation Tax.

Private Car Tax

Miscellaneous General Fund Rev

enue

8,040,900

8,379,618

3,542,476

452,866

4,432,977

PARTLY FOR GENERAL FUND:
Alcohol Beverage Control Revenue:

Liquor Licenses 5,643,892

Stamp and Distilled Spirits Ex-
cise Taxes 10,038,776

Beer and Wine Excise Tax 2,124,049

Gift Tax 1,202,585

Motor Vehicle License Fees (In

Lieu Tax) 14,402,650

Personal Income Tax 29,038,934

Retail Sales and Use Taxes 132,576,353

FOR HIGHWAYS:

Gasoline Tax, net after refunds... 57,435,442
Motor Vehicle Registration and

Other Fees 15,883,204

FOR SUNDRY PURPOSES:
Use (Diesel) Fuel Tax — For bridges

on State Highways 1,063,866

Pari-Mutuel Fees 1,700,648

Unemployment Insurance Taxes... 102,677,557

Estimated
San Francisco
Contribution

$ 3,159,365

738,627

769,741

325,407

41,599

407,207

518,440

922,149
195,112

110,468

1,323,009

2,667,480

12,178,299

5,275,948
1,459,011

97,725
156,219
,431,833

Total $433,030,527 $39,777,639

(29)

Out of this total, San Francisco received only $13,381,806 from the
State during the same fiscal year, as shown by the Controller's Annual
Report.

The huge surplus now existing in State funds could well be used to
mitigate this injustice.

In San Francisco, as all over the nation, we recognize the problem
of providing the manpower necessary to successfully operate our war
production plants.

It is true, perhaps, that some employees of the City and County of
San Francisco could be released for the duration to the war industries.

To that end our Civil Service Commission has given each employee
of the City and County a questionnaire to determine the available re-
serve of manpower in the city's service in occupations critically needed
in the war effort.

You may rest assured that when this information is available this
administration will make any adjustments recommended by depart-
ment heads and agreeable to the employees, in the interest of the war
effort.

Members of the Board: The foregoing touches, in some cases briefly
and in others in some detail, on many of the accomplishments and
problems of the past year. Detailed reports from the various depart-
ment heads will accompany this message to you.

The year 1942 was one of the most momentous in the history of our
country.

At the present time the cause of the United Nations seems to look
brighter than at any time since the war began.

"We, as public officials, must exert our every effort toward assisting,
in every possible way, our armed forces at home and abroad.

Truly, we San Franciscans have an added ideal toward which to
look. That ideal is the Cruiser "San Francisco" and its now famous
history. The officers and men, living and dead, of our ship made world
history in the Battle of Savo Bay. A few short weeks ago we wel-
comed them back home. In a few days those who have succeeded
Admiral Callaghan and the gallant officers and men who gave their
lives in this battle will take the "San Francisco" back and she will
fight again for our country. She is the first of our navy vessels to
be decorated for outstanding service. We public officials can and must
in civilian life emulate the deeds of the men aboard the ship bearing
our city's name.

I will continue my policy of carrying out every suggestion of the
military authorities to that end.

Whatever our local problems may be, and we can expect some new
and perhaps more difficult ones to arise, we must all be prepared to
view them from the standpoint of doing the greatest good for the
greatest number of our citizens.

Only with constant cooperation and teamwork among all public offi-
cials can we properly carry out the duties and responsibilities which
we have accepted from the people of this great city.

Yours very truly,

Mayor.

(30)

Departmental Reports

Controller

The accounts of the Controller, in conformance with Section 68 of the
Charter, were audited by Ernst & Ernst by direction of the Board of
Supervisors.

In accordance with provisions of Section 66 of the Charter, audits of
departments were made by the Controller's audit staff, with the ex-
ception of the following audits, which were made pursuant to the pro-
visions of Ordinance No. 9.0621 by certified public accountants: Water
Department, Hetch Hetchy, Board of Education, Municipal Railway,
Retirement System.

The various audit reports, as well as statistical information, are in
the process of being printed and will be included in the Controller's
Annual Report.

The Coordinating Council

Drastic changes brought by the war on organizational systems and
routines have definitely made their mark in the work of the Coordi-
nating Council.

Heretofore acting in the capacity of a recommending body, the Coun-
cil in the past year has been called upon to become an extremely ac-
tive directory body, and has created and set in motion a number of
worthy innovations.

The manifold new problems, and the almost overnight changes
brought about by the influx of families from the four corners of the
continent, have tripled demands upon the Council's ingenuity and
energies, and have forced the need for a widened front and broadened
scope.

These problems faced by the Council during the past year touch pri-
marily juvenile and adult social welfare alike, having to do chiefly
with adult delinquency in juvenile care, with juvenile delinquency,
with proper day care for children of working parents, and with care-
fully studied preventive measures to guard against a lowering of the
high social, moral and health standards of San Francisco.

In each aspect of the work the Coordinating Council has cooperated
and counseled with the specific department or departments of the city,
state and federal governments, within whose jurisdictions the particu-
lar problems are administered over, and without exception these de-
partments have welcomed and graciously accepted the Council's assist-
ance.

The ten district councils have been no less busy than the executive
body during the past year, and are to be commended for their indus-
try, and for the intelligent study they have made of individual prob-
lems within their respective districts, as well as many constructive
city-wide recommendations they have handed up for consideration.

During the last twelve months, to meet the increased demands upon
its time, the executive body of the Coordinating Council has been meet-
ing at least twice each month while the ten district councils have been
meeting monthly.

The secretary of the executive council has, throughout the year, at-
tended all district council meetings and thus has kept the executive
council in timely and constant touch with their activities.

The chairmen of the district councils have been most conscientious
in the performance of their duties and their agendas have been evi-
dence of intelligent selection and preparation of the subjects of pri-
mary importance within their respective jurisdictions.

( 31)

Despite the added duties that have been imposed upon department
heads by reason of the abnormal times, individual attendance to execu-
tive council meetings has been excellent. The same commendation
may be made of members of district councils.

Thus far the increased activities of the Coordinating Council have
been referred to in rather vague and general terms. It must be remem-
bered, however, that the work of coordination is largely intangible and
difficult to report upon with any degree of conciseness. There are,
nevertheless, a number of tangible matters which can be enumerated
herein, as accomplishments of the Council during the year 1942, chiefly
the following:

1. Advocation of the establishment of a training course in Group
Leadership to combat the drain on trained personnel by reason of en-
listment and induction in the armed forces, which course has been in-
stalled and is now being conducted at San Francisco State Teachers'
College.

2. In anticipation of farm labor shortage, the Council inaugurated
plans and cooperated with other agencies in maintaining high stand-
ards in harvest camps where San Francisco youths were employed.

3. In anticipation of an increase in juvenile delinquency due to war
activities, high wages and other readily recognized causes, the secre-
tary of the Coordinating Council made a personal tour of observation
of taverns, hotels, theaters and other public places, and his findings,
reported to the Council, were relayed to other departments and agen-
cies, both public and private, with appropriate recommendations and
suggestions.

4. With the cooperation of the School Department, the Council held
meetings with deans of girls of the high schools throughout the city,
and advised the deans of changed and dangerous conditions to forearm
them in their work.

5. Recommended the expansion of adult education classes within the
School Department.

6. Recommended the establishment of compulsory parent education
in the form of classes for parent instruction, to reach particularly
ignorant, careless and wilfully negligent parents whose children are
in danger of becoming juvenile delinquents, and further recommended
that the Juvenile Court conduct such courses. This plan is designed
primarily for the prevention of juvenile delinquency because of neglect
by parents, and embraces a system of referral reports from the courts
and agencies encountering shiftless persons having children being
reared in bad home environment. This plan it is hoped will reach
the true pre-delinquent child, the offspring of delinquent parents who,
by reason of anti-social tendencies, are themselves involved with the
law.

7. Enlisted the aid and support of the press in making the public
conscious of conditions and publicising corrective plans.

8. Cooperated with and aided the Mayor's Special Committee on
Juvenile Delinquency in preparing a program and curfew ordinance
which ordinance is now in force.

9. Conducted survey through district councils in cooperation With
other agencies to determine needs for day nurseries.

10. Conducted study throughout the city to determine most bene-
ficial leisure-time recreational, hobby, war service and miscellaneous
activities for school-age children.

11. Cooperated with the housing authorities in the incorporation of
community facilities such as nursery schools, health centers and recrea-
tion rooms within housing projects.

12. Recommended closer supervision of taverns, hotels, theaters, res-
taurants, bowling alleys, skating rinks, pin-ball machine and soft drink
establishments, and with the Mayor's Committee called in proprietors
and managers of such places and enlisted their cooperation.

13. Made a study of the "transient girl" problem with the aid of
various agencies, including Travelers' Aid, Big Sister Bureau, Juve-

(32)

nile Court and School authorities, and made appropriate recommenda-
tions to interested departments.

14. Met with theater managers and enlisted their aid in better super-
vision of minor children attending theaters, and in refusing them ad-
mittance to late shows and during school hours.

15. Contacted Red Cross and solicited the setting up within the
School Department courses in first aid, nutrition and home nursing,
which is expected to be inaugurated at the beginning of the new year.

16. Developed an in-service training course for the Counseling and
Guidance Bureau of the School Department, and obtained prominent
speakers on varied subjects pertaining to juvenile delinquency and its
causes, embracing thirteen lectures.

From the foregoing enumerated activities, there can be little ques-
tion about the alertness of the Council to newly encountered problems
arising since the war, or about its efficiency in meeting these problems.
Beyond a doubt the past year has given the Council the opportunity of
successfully negotiating a proving ground, and the real worth of such
a body will become more appreciated before the world has returned to
normal conditions.

Golden Gate Bridge

The world's longest suspension bridge is having a rough time, what
with our entry into war, rubber and gas rationing, and reduction in
non-essential traffic. The loss in receipts, if projected for the fiscal
year, to end July 1, 1943, will be $803,000.

As the burden of taxes, to make up any deficit in the revenues of
the bridge, fall 80 per cent to 85 per cent on the taxpayers of the City
and County of San Francisco, the solution of its financial problems
is of paramount importance. Approximately 15.43 per cent of all
vehicles crossing the bridge fall into the toll-free classification of gov-
ernment-operated vehicles, as defined in the original permit, granted
by Federal Authority, allowing construction over United States Mili-
tary Reservations. The Bridge Directors contend that it never was the
intent of Washington to permit all federal employees, their dependents
and relatives toll-free use of the structure. Court intrepretations have
included as being within the toll-free classification, all government
traffic.

Relief is sought by H. R. 7667 (Lea-Welch Bill in Congress), which
has the endorsement of Joseph B. Eastman, Director of O.E.M. It is
estimated that the passage of this bill would result in new revenues to
the district, totalling $461,750 annually.

The net operating income of the Bridge District for the fiscal year,
ended July 1, 1942, was approximately $36,000 more than for the previ-
ous year. The sum of $150,366.23 was expended during the same period
for maintenance, of which $95,057.74 went for painting. The 80,000
tons of bridge steel, exposed to spray and fog constantly blowing in
from the Pacific, necessitates the steady engagement of an experienced
crew to prevent surface deterioration.

Total revenue was $2,292,945.10, compared with $2,282,213.58 for the
fiscal year previous. Average per day, $6,282; lowest day's revenue,
February 5, 1942, $3,414; highest day's revenue, August 5, 1941, $15,438.

The Office of Censorship has requested the Directors to refrain from
publication of statistics concerning the number and types of vehicles
crossing the bridge.

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge

The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge has continued throughout
1942 to serve the ever-increasing volume of traffic flowing between the
two shores of San Francisco Bay. During this period the bridge has
assumed even greater importance than in previous years because of its

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use as a vital link in the handling of transportation essential to the
prosecution of the war.

The safety record continues to be good in spite of the large volume
of traffic.

There has been a considerable loss of bridge personnel because of
enlistment or induction in the armed forces. However, every reason-
able effort is being made to obtain satisfactory replacements and to
maintain the best possible service to the public.

This year's report indicates no traffic statistics, as requested by the
Office of Censorship at Washington.

Federal Projects

New San Francisco Appraisers Stores and Immigration Station,
seventeen-story building under contract with Clinton Construction
Company, amount of contract $3,774,636, is still under construction
and is now 56 per cent complete. Due to extraordinary war conditions,
date for completion cannot be set at this time.

Since December, 1941 (after Pearl Harbor), the U. S. Navy (Head-
quarters of Twelfth Naval District), has taken over and occupied al-
most the entire Federal Office Building at Fulton, McAllister, Hyde
and Leavenworth Streets, and other government activities then located
in the building have moved outside to other office quarters (mostly
leased).

The U. S. Treasury has acquired by purchase (estimated $2,000,000)
the Empire Hotel Building, largely for the benefit of the greatly aug-
mented Internal Revenue and War Departments who now occupy same,
and building has been turned over to the Public Buildings Administra-
tion for maintenance and operation.

Among quarters secured by lease and remodeled by the government
for the activities involved are:

Abbott Building, 1045 Sansome Street — U. S. Army Postal
Censor.

Don Lee Building, 1000 Van Ness Avenue — P. O. Dept. —
Censor.

Postal Telegraph Building, 22 Battery Street — Social Se-
curity Board.

The latter activity was moved to San Francisco under decentraliza-
tion program from Washington, D. C.

A large sum (total for which is not available at this time) has been
expended on all federal buildings as well as some leased quarters and
stations for the execution of dimout, blackout and other protective con-
struction work covering air raids and subversive activities.

Board of Education

"Mobilizing San Francisco Youth."

This title, of a publication issued by the Superintendent of Schools
in mid-year, keynotes the 1942 accomplishments of the San Francisco
Public Schools. From kindergarten through adult classes in War Pro-
duction Training, all activities have been fitted to the Nation's wartime
demands.

Since establishment of the first defense training class nearly two
years ago on January 13, 1941, in anticipation of indicated manpower
shortages, 36,027 men and women have been trained in public school
classes to take their places in war production industries. Courses for
acetylene welders and burners, aircraft mechanics, arc welders, asbestos
pipe coverers, communicators, draftsmen, machinists, marine electri-
cians, marine sheet metal workers, radio repairmen, merchant marine
seamen, shipfitters, steamfitters, pipefitters, telegraphers and teletype
operators have furnished San Francisco's throbbing war industries with

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thousands of men and women needed to keep production at its present
tempo. The close of the year finds shops and classrooms fully equipped
and ready to receive the additional thousands of trainees still needed
to keep shipyards and factories working at full capacity, and beyond.
San Franciscans, not now engaged in war industries, are urged to take
advantage of this unparalleled training opportunity.

Curriculums of San Francisco Junior College, the nine public high
schools and the eleven junior high schools have been adjusted to meet
the national program recommended by the National Institute on Educa-
tion and the War held in Washington, D. C, in midyear. Not neglect-
ing the paramount importance of the fundamental education necessary
to train our youth to meet the problems of post-war reconstruction, the
1942 secondary school courses of study find emphasis being placed on:
(1) physical education courses emphasizing body-building; (2) physics
courses adapted primarily to be effective for those pupils who will
enter specialized services in the armed forces and industry; (3) new
courses in the science of aviation; (4) new courses in aviation mathe-
matics, concentrating on the fundamentals of arithmetic, algebra,
geometry and trigonometry; and (5) pre-induction courses in the
fundamentals of electricity, machines, shopwork, radio and automotive
mechanics.

Likewise in conformity with recommendations of the National Insti-
tute on Education and the War, little change has been made in the
elementary school programs although teachers have been urged to
strive even more for greater proficiency. The children at this grade
level, however, as well as those in the secondary schools, have made
outstanding records in scrap drives, stamp and bond purchasing, and
similar enterprises.

The year 1942 saw in full operation for the first time, the new pro-
gram of counseling and guidance established at the start of the fall
term of 1941. Two geographically based Child Guidance Clinics have
been established, one located in the Girls High School building and
the other in the Fairmount elementary school building. Faced with
the hundreds of new children's problems occasioned by war hysteria,
working mothers and similar causes, an outstanding program has been
developed.

San Francisco's high school boys and girls surprised the state by
their response to the urgent call made by the agricultural districts for
emergency harvest season help. At needed times during the summer
and early fall months, 2,500 boys and girls, under the supervision of
teacher, labored long hours in fields and orchards harvesting Cali-
fornia's vital crops. The value of this work was recognized by adoption
of the following resolution by the Agricultural Committee of the Cham-
ber of Commerce:

"Whereas, farmers of Northern and Central California are
about to complete harvests of bumper crops planted in response
to urgent Government requests to produce 'Food for Victory';
and

"Whereas, despite initial forebodings of heavy crop losses
due to widespread shortage of harvest labor, losses appear not
to have greatly exceeded normal losses for most crops; and

"Whereas, volunteer harvest workers recruited in cities and
towns, notably San Francisco, are responsible for averting
greater crop losses by their prompt response to farmers' appeals
for aid, thus contributing to saving valuable foodstuffs vitally
needed by the nation; and

"Whereas, San Francisco set an outstanding example for
other communities to follow in organizing to aid in the har-
vest; now, therefore, be it

"Resolved, That the farmer members of the Agriculture Com-
mittee of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce do hereby
extend their thanks and deep appreciation to the members of

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the San Francisco War Time Harvest Council, and to San Fran-
cisco generally, for their part in helping to save in the 1942
harvest season essential crops in Northern and Central Cali-
fornia."

Assistance in the harvest was only one of the emergency programs
in which pupils and teachers participated. In addition to a general
heavy response to Civilian Defense volunteer programs, all teachers
and other school department employees carried through to success the
city's two rationing registrations, for sugar and gasoline.

Particular commendation must be given to the school department's
janitorial staff. Organization of Civilian Defense activities necessitated
use of school buildings for meeting and training purposes. During
1942, more than four thousand such meetings were held and at all of
these school janitors volunteered their services as building custodians.

The San Francisco Public Schools stand ready to meet the demands
that 1943 may bring and to continue, to the limits of capability and
energy, to fulfill the educational needs of this city.

Police Department

The ensuing report is submitted as a brief account of the activities
of this department for the crowded year of 1942. The activities of the
department and results produced thereby clearly show the energetic
and conscientious effort expended in the performance of duty by the
men of this department, and this becomes particularly impressive, when
in retrospect we look upon the eventful character of the past year
during which the population of our city was increased by approximately
90,000 people.

1. Major Crimes. Actual total figures on crimes involving attacks
upon property show a decrease, while the statistics relating to crimes
upon persons indicate an increase. More specifically the percentages are
as follows: Robbery, 21 per cent decrease; grand theft, 7 per cent de-
crease; murder, 75 per cent increase; petty theft, 4 per cent increase.
The total losses in cases of attacks upon property, as compared with
the year 1941, s*how a 5 per cent increase, while the total recovery of
property for the same period shows a 7 per cent increase.

Maintaining the high standard set in the year 1941, there were no
successful bank holdups to mar the perfect record of the San Francisco
Police Department. There were two instances of attempted bank
holdups, and in both cases the attempts were frustrated, the culprits
apprehended, and the total temporary losses recovered.

2. Commendations for Meritorious Conduct. Commendations for
bravery in this department were awarded during the year 1941 as
follows: Commendation "A," which is given by the Chief for an act
performed intelligently in the line of police duty, or for any important
arrest involving elements of initiative, intelligence or bravery, was
given to eight members of this department. Commendation "B," which
is given by the Board of Police Commissioners for the performance of
acts unquestionably involving bravery and risk of life, and with knowl-
edge of risk assumed in the performance of police duty, was given to
two members of this department. These commendations were based
upon instances wherein those officers commended succeeded in appre-
hending gunmen under exceptional circumstances; or, with knowledge
of the risk assumed, faced gunfire or saved lives at the risk of their
own.

3. Traffic Accidents. The present year, when compared with the
year 1941, shows a 19 per cent decrease in fatalities arising from
traffic accidents, while the total number of non-fatal accidents indicate
a decrease of 10 per cent. In order to present a more graphic picture
of the above, the following figures are submitted, to-wit: From January
1, 1941, to December 10, 1941, there were 92 deaths as a result of traffic
accidents, while for the same period during the year 1942, there were

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77 deaths resulting from traffic accidents. This reduction by 15 in
number of traffic deaths can be attributed to constant and efficient
traffic enforcement.

4. Junior Traffic Patrol. Once again the unceasing, vigilant, and
constant effort of the Junior Traffic Patrol has been rewarded by the
welcomed fact that no child of school age was killed in the past year
at school crossings during school hours.

5. Police Academy. By virtue of the continued functioning of the
Police Academy, the new recruits entering the department were pro-
vided with the advantage of primary instruction in general law enforce-
ment work. Members of the Military Police of the Army of the United
States have during the year from time to time availed themselves of
the opportunity to partake of the specialized instruction in police work
provided at the Police Academy. By utilizing available experts in
individual police lines, the Academy continues to be operated in an
economic and efficient manner, thus making more certain its beneficial
and continued existence.

6. Auxiliary Police. With the advent of the Civilian Defense Pro-
gram in the City and County of San Francisco, there devolved upon the
San Francisco Police Department the burden of moulding an auxiliary
police unit into an efficient and practical organization. Utilizing men
within the department who possessed special ability along related police
lines, the where necessary procuring the services of other volunteers,
the auxiliary police unit by virtue of a sound training program soon
solidified into a concrete organization which was to supplement the
regular force in times of necessity. Since its inception, the auxiliary
members of the police force have proven their worth by rendering
valuable assistance when it was required of them, and further credit
was brought to the organization by the outstanding police work of
certain individual members in isolated instances.

An advanced course of instruction is offered for members who have
completed their primary training, and as new members are absorbed,
groups are formed and given basic training. Considering the voluntary
nature of the organization, the Auxiliary Police are to be commended
for their fine showing during the year 1942.

Fire Department

No city department has been more seriously affected by the present
national emergency than the Fire Department.

That this department is fully equal to its normal task, i.e., the pro-
tection of the lives and property of its citizens against the hazards
of peace time fires, has long ceased to be a matter worthy of eliciting
special comment. Judicious management, splendid leadership and an
esprit de corps among the rank and file which is unsurpassed anywhere,
have resulted in an organization which fully merits the confidence and
the goodwill of every citizen, and again, during the year now coming
to a close, the record and the achievements of the San Francisco Fire
Department have fulfilled all expectations.

But a far greater duty has now been entrusted to this important
branch of the municipal government. Numerous new functions and
activities, brought about by war conditions, were assigned to the
officers and members of the department, constant inspection and patrol
of the waterfront, organization of an arson and sabotage bureau, enroll-
ment and training of auxiliary firemen, training of fire squads for plant
protection, demonstrations of incendiary bomb control and many more.

Long before the actual declaration of the present war, it was realized
that in the event of enemy attack, the existing fire defenses would not
be able to cope with a large number of fires which might be started
simultaneously, and the need for the expansion of the fire service, and
for the procurement of additional fire apparatus and equipment, as

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well as for the training of a large number of auxiliary firemen, had
become apparent.

Based upon the recommendations of the San Francisco Civilian
Defense Council, this program of expansion of the fire service has been
carried on vigorously, and in spite of the many obstacles and delays
imposed by governmental restrictions and regulations, made necessary
by the paramount requirements of the armed forces, satisfactory prog-
ress has been made toward its achievement.

Given general public approval through the overwhelming majority
by which the Fire Protection Bond Issue was voted on June 9, 1942,
the purchase of the necessary apparatus and equipment was immedi-
ately initiated, and to date, besides the regular equipment of the depart-
ment, we have the following auxiliary fire apparatus, fully equipped
and ready for service: 186 auxiliary fire pumps, each of 500 g.p.m.
capacity, 86 of them mounted on trucks and the remaining 100 of the
trailer type. Some 300 more have been purchased and are being
mounted and outfitted in our shops.

Right here it is necessary to say a word of praise for the excellent
work which is being done in this connection in our own repair shops,
under the direction of the Purchaser of Supplies and his able shop
superintendent.

To adequately man this auxiliary fire apparatus, more than 5000
auxiliary firemen have been enrolled and trained, and they are now
attending weekly drills in the firehouses, and it is a source of great
satisfaction to note that despite the entirely voluntary basis upon which
they serve, they display a splendid ability, great enthusiasm and a
singular devotion to their duties, and our citizens owe them a very
heavy debt of gratitude.

F'or the proper housing of this auxiliary apparatus, 27 temporary
firehouses have been, to date, completed. These houses have been
erected on school lots, recreation centers and other public owned sites.
Contracts will shortly be let for 23 additional houses in the near future,
and further expansion of this program will be governed by the addi-
tional amounts of available equipment.

Comparing our efforts and accomplishments in regard to auxiliary
fire protection service with those of other communities throughout the
country, I feel that San Francisco, fully recognizing its vulnerability
and its importance as the principal port of embarkation of the Pacific
Coast, is squarely meeting its obligations and is doing its full share in
the national war effort.

Civil Service Commission

During the calendar year of 1942 the Civil Service Commission com-
pleted 119 examinations for which a total of 30,799 applications were
filed. This compares with 70 examinations completed during the year
1941.

As of this date, there are 825 employees under civil service status on
military leave with the armed forces of our country.

The municipal service has been disrupted even more severely, how-
ever, by the large number of employees who have resigned or relin-
quished their positions to accept employment elsewhere. For the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1941, 204 employees resigned or relinquished their
positions and that was somewhat in excess of the normal over a ten-
year period. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1942, a total of 631
employees resigned or relinquished their municipal employment and
since July of this year the number of resignations and relinquishments
has increased. The replacement of employees on military leave and
employees resigning or relinquishing their positions when the filling
of such vacancies is essential to the orderly operation of the local gov-
ernment has placed a severe strain on the Civil Service Commission.

In order to meet the new conditions, the Commission prepared and

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sponsored a charter amendment which was approved by the people at
the November 1942 election, authorizing in the absence of regularly
constituted lists of eligibles limited tenure appointments, which may
continue for the duration of the war, such appointments to be deter-
mined on the basis of informal, non-competitive tests. It is hoped and
expected that operations under the limited tenure provisions will facili-
tate the recruitment of personnel for essential positions in the munic-
ipal service.

On July 1, 1942, salary standardization became a fact for all em-
ployments of the local government subject thereto. The enactment by
the Board of Supervisors of salary standardization schedules is the
culmination of a program initiated by me more than seventeen years
ago when I introduced to the Board of Supervisors a Charter amend-
ment calling for standardization of compensations of municipal em-
ployees. However, since the schedules made effective in July of 1942
were based mainly on conditions which prevailed in 1930, the need
for revision of these schedules was soon apparent. Pursuant to a
Charter amendment approved by the people at the last election, the
Civil Service Commission has undertaken an extensive investigation of
wages being paid currently in private employment and in other gov-
ernmental jurisdictions in this state and intends to submit to the
Board of Supervisors in the early part of March a proposed revision
of the existing salary standardization schedules. To assist in this
work and with my approval, the Civil Service Commission has em-
ployed the Public Administration Service of Chicago, which, as the
members of this honorable Board know, is a non-profit organization
whose services are available only to governmental agencies.

Another important Charter amendment was approved by the people
dealing with military leaves of absence in time of war. This amend-
ment was necessary in order that employees might, under certain con-
ditions, be released for services in connection with the war effort al-
though not directly in the fighting services.

Several other amendments have been approved by the people during
the current year, extending civil service to the following employments
and departments:

de Young Memorial Museum 45 employments

California Palace of the Legion of Honor 25 employments

Charter amendments were also approved placing the employees'
Health Service System under civil service regulations and placing some
26 employees of the Salvage Corps of the Underwriters' Fire Patrol
under civil service.

The duties of the Civil Service Commission have been carried on
during the year in a manner which reflects the highest credit on the
members of the Commission and the staff and I express my apprecia-
tion for their loyal service.

Employees' Retirement System

The Retirement System included 12,462 employees at June 30, 1942.
During the fiscal year ending on that date, 178 members were retired
because of age or disability and 94 active members died. Many of the
positions thus vacated were not filled. During 1941-42, 150 retired per-
sons died, and on June 30, 1942, there were 2,089 persons receiving
allowances under the Retirement System, this number including aged
and disabled members retired from the several departments and also
retired firemen and policemen, and their widows, where retirement
allowances were continued to them or death resulted while in per-
formance of duty.

The administration of the State Compensation Insurance Law, as
it affects all city employees, is centralized under the Retirement Board.
Reports of all injuries among approximately 13,000 employees are made
to the Retirement Office and claims are adjusted and benefits paid in

( 39)

accordance with the State law and Charter, the City and County acting
as self-insurer in relation to all employees. During the fiscal year
1941-42, 945 compensation cases were handled, under which either
weekly benefits or medical expenses were paid. Approximately 1,531
additional cases were handled which were not of sufficient severity to
qualify for compensation benefits of any kind. The investments of the
Retirement Fund at June 30, 1942, totaled $30,717,014 as against
$28,557,631 as of June 30, 1941.

Assessor

Assessor Russell L. Wolden has been cooperating closely with the
Army, Navy and Civilian Defense authorities, making available the
technical skill and knowledge of his office to the furtherance of the war
effort.

Military authorities have commended the Assessor for this invaluable
assistance.

The new year holds many new and difficult assessment problems due
to war conditions. Despite a limited staff, the Assessor's Office will
continue to maintain fair and equitable assessed valuations.

SUMMARIZED COMPARISON OF ASSESSMENT ROLLS

1942-43 1941-42

Property assessed by the Assessor:
Tangible Property:

Real Estate and Improvements $ 668,002,629 $ 658,696,945

Personal Property:

Secured and unsecured 90,157,437 85,473,191

$ 758,160,066 $ 744,170,136
Less, veterans' exemptions 7,472,154 7,177,626

$ 750,687,912 $ 736,992,510
Intangible Property:

Solvent Credits (10c per $100) $ 194,667,853 $ 150,0S9,220

Property assessed by State Board of
Equalization:
Tangible Property:

Real Estate and Improvements $ 56,116,120 $ 56,484,740

Personal Property 32,143,990 32,908,920

$ 88,260,110 $ 89,393,660
Intangible Property:

Solvent Credits (10c per $100) $ 65,825,540 $ 37,404,920

Total Property subject to City and County

Taxes $1,099,441,415 $1,013,880,310

Treasurer

On the morning of October 26, 1942, when the news was received of
the sudden death of Treasurer Captain Duncan Matheson, public
officials, city employees and his many friends bowed their heads in
sorrow. We will mourn his loss for time to come.

Thos. K. McCarthy was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the
late Treasurer. Mr. McCarthy was Chief Assistant to him for the past
twelve years, and a member of the Treasurer's staff for thirty-four years.

Pension demands drawn in favor of the late Treasurer, Duncan
Matheson, in the amount of $22,878.17, were returned to the Controller
on December 1, 1942, for cancellation, the family of the late Treasurer
having refused to accept same.

Cash on hand at the close of business June 30, 1941, $20,078,260.71.
Cash received, fiscal year 1941-1942, $83,356,914.44. Cash disbursed,

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$82,721,131.10. Total cash $106,078,045.54. Cash on hand at ciose of
business June 30, 1942, $20,714,044.05. Journal transfers, $125,208,-
829.18.

The annual audit for the fiscal year 1941-1942, of the Treasurer's
office, was made by the Controller, and was found to be correct.

The San Francisco City and County Employees Retirement System
securities in the amount of $27,337,662.50 as of June 30, 1942, was
audited by the firm of James O. Sully, Certified Public Accountants,
under the supervision of Controller Harold J. Boyd, and found to be
correct. These securities are kept in the joint custoday vault of the
Treasurer's office.

The Treasurer has received from the Federal Reserve Bank, war
bonds in the amount of $394,550, and turned same over to the Con-
troller for delivery to the public officials and employees of the City
and County of San Francisco.

Number of City and County of San Francisco warrants paid during
the fiscal year 1941-1942, 725,312. 292,890 coupons paid for a total of
$6,590,027.75. 8,196 bonds paid for a total of $8,196,300.

Total collections for inheritance tax, $1,095,247.59. Total receipts
issued, 1,051. Safe deposit box examinations and contents listed, 1,610.
Certificates issued in connection with the transfer of securities and
bank accounts, 10,052.

Sheriff

Daniel C. Murphy, Sheriff of the City and County of San Francisco,
outlines his activities for 1942 as follows.

Receipts. County commissions, fees and mileage, $38,361.92; cash
receipts under writs of attachment, executions, fee deposits by plain-
tiffs, and cash deposits by defendants in lieu of undertakings on release
of attachments, etc., $190,375.60; sales of personal property after deduc-
tion of county commission and fees, $23,187.90; sales of real property,
$26,475.75; total, $278,401.17.

Process and Papers Filed and Issued. A classified list of all process
and papers filed and issued for this same period is as follows: Bonds
(personal and surety), 21; claims of exemption — notice of preferred
claims — releases — third party claims, 1,689; claims and delivery and
writs of replevin, 93; miscellaneous, 234; notices, 198; orders of arrest,
64; orders of examination, 44; orders to show cause, 220; subpoena,
151; summons (civil actions), 2,187; writs of attachment (personal
property), 7,948; writs of attachment (real property), 21; writs of
execution (personal property), 6,843; writs of execution (real prop-
erty), 10; writs of possession, 152; certificates (issued), 61; deeds
(issued), 8; total, 19,958.

Under and pursuant to such writs of attachment and wrist of execu-
tion, most of the personal property levied upon consists of garnish-
ments. However, under that type of writs, including claim and delivery
and writs of replevin, the following personal property sales were con-
summated:

Number of sales, 79; amount, $23,187.90. The process under and
pursuant to which these so-called evictions are made is termed "Writ
of Possession" and will hereinafter be referred to by that name and
will be enumerated under the classified list of process captioned: Writs
of possession received or filed, 144; possession to plaintiff, 75; unexe-
cuted, 36; number of forcible evictions, 33.

County Jails — Numbers 1, 2, 3 and J/. The monthly average popula-
tion of inmates confined in all San Francisco County Jails for fiscal
year July 1, 1941, to June 30, 1942, both dates inclusive, is 924.33; the
total for the 12 months, 11,092.

There were 595 Federal male and 24 Federal female prisoners re-
ceived during this period with a daily average of 55.

The amount (total) received from the United States Government for

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maintenance and subsistence of Federal prisoners for the fiscal year,
July 1, 1941, to June 30, 1942, was $9,347.20.

During the calendar year of 1942 there were 692 male patients and
532 female patients transported from the Detention Hospital to various
state institutions.

Prom our County Jails, 194 male and 11 female prisoners were trans-
ported to state penitentiaries and other correctional institutions during
this same period. The transportation of these persons is under the
direct supervision of the Sheriff and follows the procedure authorized
on January 13, 1936, of Ordinance 7.062, Bill 890. All surplus money
received from this source is deposited with the Treasurer of the City
and County of San Francisco by the Sheriff. While under the law the
Sheriff could retain this surplus money, he believes it should be used
for the benefit of the taxpayers of the City and County of San Fran-
cisco. This new procedure adopted by the Sheriff has resulted in a
saving to the City and County of San Francisco of $5,184.49 during the
last fiscal year.

At the request of the Sheriff, Ordinance 7061, Bill 860 was drafted
and approved on January 13, 1936. This ordinance established County
Jail stores to be maintained for the convenience of prisons and under
this procedure, should there be any profit, it would be deposited with
the Treasurer for the benefit of the taxpayers of the City and County
of San Francisco. These stores are under the direct supervision of the
Sheriff, and with minimum prices on all commodities sold in the
stores, the profit for the last fiscal year amounted to $6,362.62.

Public Utilities Commission

San Francisco's publicly-owned utilities, which had been under direc-
tion of the Public Utilities Commission for ten years on January 8,
1942, climaxed their decade of steady growth and progress by the estab-
lishment of many new records during the year and by expansion of ser-
vice to many thousands of new consumers.

Summaries of the activities of the several departments under the
jurisdiction of the Commission follow:

Municipal Railway

The Municipal Railway at the close of the calendar year 1942 had
completed its thirtieth year of continuous operation in furnishing trans-
portation to the people of San Francisco.

Due to the vital need of transportation to meet the demands of war
conditions, every effort has been made in the past year to cope with
these abnormal transportation requirements with present available
equipment and facilities. A review of the year's business shows all
Municipal Railway prior records exceeded and that this year was the
most outstanding year in the history of the railway.

The great progressive increase in travel which occurred during the
year is best illustrated by comparing the daily average passenger reve-
nue of the last pre-war month, November, 1941, with the figures for the
succeeding months to December, 1942. In November, 1941, the daily
average passenger revenue was $11,155 per day. Like figures for the
months following show daily average receipts for each month as fol-
lows:

December, 1941 $11,208

January, 1942 11,456

February, 1942 11,948

March, 1942 12,455

April, 1942 12,611

May, 1942 12,462

June, 1942 13,097

July, 1942 13,162

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August, 1942 13,384

September, 1942 13,989

October, 1942 14,636

November, 1942 14,221

December, 1942 16,184

The increase in December, 1942, over November, 1941, amounts to
$5,029 per day, or 45.09 per cent.

The curtailment of the use of private automobiles through tire and
gasoline rationing was a major factor in increasing the volume of
travel on the street railway cars and coaches.

As the fullest use of all present street railway transportation facili-
ties was demanded to handle the war-time travel requirements, it was
decided that unification of the Market Street Railway and the Munici-
pal Railway under city management with a single fare would best ac-
complish this purpose.

After extensive negotiations with the Market Street Railway Com-
pany, extending over several months, which resulted in that company
agreeing on a price of $7,950,000 for its operative properties, a proposal
for purchase by the city through the issuance of revenue bonds was
submitted to the voters on November 3, 1942.

The many advantages of unified operation under city management
of all present street railway properties was thoroughly discussed
through the medium of the press and had the approval of most inter-
ested civic bodies. It was shown that the maximum use of the facili-
ties of both railways would be obtained and that the city would benefit
greatly financially.

This purchase plan failed of passage by a margin of some 6,000 votes,
there being some 28,000 of those voting at this election who did not
express an opinion on the purchase plan. The resubmission of a simi-
lar purchase plan to the voters is thought advisable as this still seems
to be the best solution of this important transportation problem.

In view of the rationing of gasoline on December 1, 1942, and in
order to prevent a transportation crisis, a plan of staggered hours for
industrial, store, bank and other workers, including schools, was agreed
upon and placed in effect on November 15, 1942. This has helped im-
measurably to enable the street railway companies to handle the tre-
mendous increase in the volume of riders as reflected by the Municipal
Railway's week day receipts for December, 1942, of over $17,000 per
day and Sunday receipts for the same month of over $10,000 per day.

Total operating revenue for the year amounted to $4,900,097, an in-
crease of $794,263, or 19.34 per cent over the previous year, and the
highest figure in the Municipal Railway history. Operating expenses
totaled $3,728,641, an increase of $347,839, due principally to increased
service operated and to wage increases to platform men and other
classifications.

After providing the amount of $413,598 for depreciation, $182,058 for
accidents, and $54,583 for bond interest, the railway had a net income
of $531,270, an all-time high in its history.

Car and coach hours operated for the year amounted to 1,119,198
hours, an increase of 56,179 hours, or 5.28 per cent over the previous
year, and the highest ever operated by the railway.

Changes made through consolidation of bus route No. 3 and No. 10
into one route No. 3 provided through service from Twenty-fifth Ave-
nue and Sea Cliff Avenue to the terminus of the "J" line at Thirtieth
and Church Streets and added 2.56 miles of one-way routing.

Passengers carried during the year totaled 126,974,643, an increase
of 18,131,509, or 16.66 per cent over the previous year, and an all-time
high for the railway. Street cars and coaches traveled a distance of
10,693,444 miles, which is an increase of 453,754 miles, or 4.42 per cent
over last year, and the greatest mileage operated in any previous year
by the railway.

Effective December 1, 1942, the California Street Cable Railroad Com-
pany was granted an increase in fares of 6 cents with the provision

(43 )

for an interchange of transfers with the Municipal Railway on an even
basis, no interchange of money to be made. The fare on the Market
Street Railway Company's lines remained at 7 cents during the year
and on the Municipal Railway lines at 5 cents.

Track roadway and equipment have been maintained in excellent
condition, the sum of $485,444 having been expended for this purpose.
Included in this maintenance work was the overhauling and painting
of thirty-seven street car bodies and ten motor coaches. Priority re-
strictions due to the war have made it increasingly difficult to obtain
certain materials, and it has therefore been necessary to utilize all
materials to the fullest extent to maintain operation and to cooperate
in the war effort.

Expenditures for new construction, equipment, and replacements
amounted to $85,296. This is a decrease of over $400,000 from the previ-
ous year and is due mainly to war conditions restricting the use of
critical materials and to the shortage of labor, with the result that re-
placements have been confined mainly to small jobs absolutely essential
to the operation of the railway.

Purchase orders for twenty-three motor coaches were drawn in the
early part of 1942 in the total amount of $266,105, but due to priority
restrictions and pending approval by the War Production Board this
muchly needed equipment cannot be secured. Funds set up in the
amount of $160,000 for a new motor coach garage and $180,000 for
proposed trolley coaches on Union Street are being held in abeyance
due to war conditions restricting the purchase of materials and equip-
ment.

During the year, under track maintenance and replacements, 1750
feet of single track was reconstructed, 222 thermit weld joints were
installed, 55,440 square feet of concrete base seven inches deep was
renewed, and 114,395 square feet of asphalt paving was replaced.

In addition to the above, on Stockton Street and on Van Ness Ave-
nue 54,740 square feet of asphalt surface between rails was recondi-
tioned by burning and scraping.

On December 1, the sum of $100,000 in bonds of the railway was re-
tired from earnings so that there now remains an indebtedness of only
$1,000,000 against the railway properties which are conservatively
valued at $10,000,000.

Due to the large number of employees leaving for military service
and for other employments during the year, it became increasingly
difficult to obtain sufficient street car and motor coach operators to
maintain required schedules. Civil service lists for men and women
operators became exhausted, and it was necessary to advertise for and
to employ operators other than on civil service lists.

The Municipal Railway training department was required to train
635 street car and coach operators during the year, which is over 50
per cent of the entire number required for operating street cars and
coaches. Thirty-two women are now working as conductors in the
railway.

From all indications, the coming year will demand even greater
efforts from those charged with the maintenance of transportation than
was required in the past year, in order that the demands of war-time
transportation be met and that the war effort may not be impeded.

(44 )

MUNICIPAL RAILWAY OF SAN FRANCISCO

INCOME AND PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT

Calendar Year January 1, 1942, to December 31, 1942

ESTIMATED

OPERATING REVENUE $4,900,097

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Way and Structures 201,827

Equipment 283,617

Power 555,500

Conducting Transportation 2,324,510

*General and Miscellaneous 363,187

$3,728,641
Less: Subsidy from State Board of Harbor
Commissioners for operation of Embarca-

dero Buses for

Net Operating Expense 3,728,641

Net Operating Revenue $1,171,456

Plus Non-Operating Revenue:

Interest on Daily Balances $ 3,056

Misc. P & L Credits (Net) 6,997 10,053

GROSS INCOME $1,181,509

Deductions from Gross Income:

Interest on Funded Debt $ 54,583

Misc. P & L Debits 54,583

Net Income before Depreciation and Other Re-
serves $1,126,926

RESERVES:

Depreciation Reserve $ 413,598

Accident Reserve 182,058 595,656

Net Income Transferred to Profit and Loss $ 531,270

Appropriation of Surplus for Sinking Fund 100,000

NET SURPLUS $ 431,270

Hetch Hetchy Water Supply, Power and Utilities
Engineering Bureau

Hetch Hetchy Water Supply:

The Hetch Hetchy Water Supply on October 18 rounded out its eighth
year of service in delivering water impounded in the Sierra Nevada
reservoirs to enable the San Francisco Water Department to meet the
ever-increasing demand of the city and adjacent territory for water in
excess of the supply available from the local sources. As in the previ-
ous year, the quantity of water brought to the Water Department from
the Tuolumne was below the average; the precipitation on the water-
sheds in San Mateo, Alameda and Santa Clara counties being unusually
heavy, the runoff was above normal, and less water from the mountains
was needed to make up the difference between demand and local supply.

During the period of preparation for national defense preceding the
outbreak of war, this bureau had given much consideration to protec-

'Includes Sick Leave and Military Leave.
(45)

tion against sabotage for the water supply and power system, from the
impounding dams at Hetch Hetchy and Lake Eleanor to the point near
Alameda Creek where Water Department jurisdiction begins. The
Pearl Harbor attack made this protection, along with that of property
of other city-owned utilities, a matter of urgent concern to the Public
Utilities Commission. With the help of the Mayor's emergency author-
ity, guards were soon provided to supplement the vigilance of the regu-
lar operation and maintenance forces. Later, the arrangements for
guarding were improved and made more comprehensive in extent, and
physical obstructions to sabotage were installed at many points.

The many restrictions imposed by federal authorities on the procure-
ment of materials, and the demand for labor in war industries, pre-
vented undertaking any new construction work, and limited field activi-
ties almost entirely to operation, maintenance and protection of the
system, and surveys for future extensions.

In the suit of Transbay Construction Company against the city for
additional payment for the enlargement of O'Shaughnessy Dam under
Hetch Hetchy Water Supply Contract No. 149, the United States Dis-
trict Court decided in favor of the contractor, ordering the payment
by the city of $791,253.34, with interest and costs. The case is now on
appeal.

The status of water right litigation remains nearly unchanged from
that of a year ago.

Surveys and planning for the Cherry River development, begun in
1940 and continued in 1941 primarily for the protection of the city's
water rights on the Tuolumne River and its tributaries, were further
prosecuted in 1942.

Hetch Hetchy Power.-

The power division continued operation as usual, at practically the
full capacity of the two generating plants. Here again, operation,
maintenance and protection were the principal objects of attention in
the field.

The rejection by the voters, in November, 1941, of the revenue bond
proposition to finance the city's entry into the direct distribution of
electricity made it necessary to attempt to secure an amendment to the
Raker Act which would remove the provision under which the Supreme
Court had declared the existing power contract arrangement illegal.
A bill for that purpose was introduced in the House of Representatives
by Congressman Thomas Rolph, of San Francisco. Hearings on the
bill were held in Washington by the Public Lands Committee of the
House in January, 1942. San Francisco was adequately represented by
city officials and others, but was opposed by the Secretary of the In-
terior and other government officials. The committee failed to recom-
mend the amendment. On the suggestion of the Secretary of the In-
terior, a committee representing the Public Utilities Commission visited
Washington in February and entered into negotiations with Defense
Plant Corporation, which resulted in a contract being drawn between
that corporation and the city whereby the corporation agreed to pur-
chase all power generated by the Hetch Hetchy plants, for use in an
aluminum plant to be erected at Riverbank. While awaiting comple-
tion of the plant, now under construction, the distribution of electric
energy through the Pacific Gas and Electric Company continues, the
United States District Court having granted a stay of injunction to
cover the interim period. The city's revenue for power furnished to
the plant will about equal the present power revenue. The problem
of maintaining this income when the aluminum plant curtails or dis-
continues operation (as it probably will, after the war) remains for
future solution.

Utilities Engineering and Construction:

The Utilities Engineering Bureau, besides doing the headquarters
office engineering work of the Hetch Hetchy Water Supply and Power

( 46 )

Divisions, performs similar services for the Municipal Railway and
San Francisco Airport.

During 1942 the extension of the Seventeenth Street car barn was
completed, providing shop facilities and storage space for the Howard
Street electric trolley buses. War conditions have prevented the much-
needed track reconstruction on outer Market Street, the construction
of the proposed car shop and bus garage on Ocean Avenue, and the re-
placement of the Union Street "E" car line with a trolley coach line.
Estimates and other data were prepared in connection with the nego-
tiations on the Market Street Railway purchase.

At the airport, the new buildings of the air line terminal near the
north end of the field, commenced in 1941 in accordance with a lease
agreement with United Air Lines, were completed and fully occupied
in June, 1942. Runways were widened, new taxiways built, and roads
improved and extended. Pavements were built on runways, taxiways
and aprons, and the lighting and drainage systems were extended.
Much of the work on the field was performed at federal expense by
the Civil Aeronautics Authority and the United States Engineers.
Treasure Island:

At the opening of the year 1942 the Navy was in occupation of the
greater part of Treasure Island, under a lease from the city. The Utili-
ties Engineering Bureau was supervising WPA work on utility con-
struction in the area excluded from the lease, and work required of
the Exposition Company by lease and permit conditions chiefly as to
demolition of temporary structures and reconstruction of approach
roads on Yerba Buena Island. The expanding plans of the Navy for
the use of Treasure Island led to the Navy's taking full permanent
possession of the entire island under condemnation proceedings. The
price to be paid to the city for the island and the improvements thereon
is not yet adjudicated. The city, in fact, while willing to allow the full
use of the island by the federal government during the war, has not
abandoned the hope of retaining title and recovering the island for air-
port use after the emergency.

Street and Public Building Lighting

The war, which broke late in 1941, did not affect street lighting until
enemy submarines began operating off the Pacific Coast, when a gen-
eral dim-out of all light sources was ordered by the Western Defense
Command. Last year, therefore, saw a reduction in the number of
lights in service in our streets, although actually 270 new lights were
added.

At the close of the year there were 23,878 lights in service as against
24,734 when the year began, because a number of the lights were turned
out for the duration of the emergency at the request of the Army and
Navy.

In addition to the 1011 lights which were removed, 18,728 lights were
shielded to effect the dim-out of our city. Three thousand five hundred
and thirty-two lights visible from the sea were shielded in May, and in
November 15,196 more were shielded to reduce skyglow.

Noteworthy among the new lights installed during the year are those
on Third Street adjacent to the shipyards. This street was recon-
structed to provide a six-lane divided roadway and as part of this re-
construction new lights were provided. The standards employed are
twin-pendent with 6000-lumen lamps. An interesting feature of this
type of lighting is that the lights do not require shading to comply
with the dim-out.

The increased use of gas and electricity observed in previous years
continued through last year. The additional demand created by the
military forces, war work training, transportation, civilian defense,
and rationing accounts for a large portion of this increase. Because
of the added use of utility services, this bureau has found its work
materially increased in order to control the purchase and use of these
facilities to achieve overall economy for the city.

(47)

San Francisco Water Department

Water Department operations for the past year— the thirteenth under
municipal ownership — reflected the effect of the war in many ways.
Satisfactory increase is registered both in the total consumption of
water and in net income, notwithstanding the fact that the number of
active consumer accounts and new services is extremely small as com-
pared with previous years. This apparent paradox can be explained
by the fact that while War Production Board restrictions have cur-
tailed new installations, the population and industrial uses have in-
creased to such extent that these consumption gains have more than
offset the negligible increase of new consumers.

Water sales for the year amounted to $7,889,301 and net income from
operations was $3,378,963 against a net income of $3,087,317 for the year
1941, or an increase of $291,646. This increase is the net result of an
increase in water sales amounting to $347,391, a decrease of $26,591
in miscellaneous income, an increase in operating expenses of $100,156
and a decrease in other expense, principally bond interest and redemp-
tion, of $71,002.

The water sales increase of $347,391 represents a gain of $366,284 in
revenue and a decrease of $18,893 in water furnished to non-paying
municipal accounts. This increase in water sales was accounted for
by a 4.3 per cent increase amounting to $312,153 for San Francisco and
by a 6.5 per cent increase amounting to $35,238 in the suburban dis-
tricts. Reflecting war-time conditions, the largest gains were regis-
tered in industrial uses, military uses and the docks and shipping ac-
counts. Residential and commercial gains were substantial but below
the normal increase.

Water consumption for the year averaged 74.0 million gallons daily.
This is a net gain of 4.76 million gallons daily or 7 per cent over the
preceding year and represents a gain of 0.91 million gallons daily in
the suburban area and a gain of 3.85 million gallons daily in San Fran-
cisco. The gains for the last six months of the year were slightly
greater than for the first six months.

The number of active consumer accounts in San Francisco increased
to 127,580; a gain of 1038 for the past year as compared to a gain of
3794 for the preceding year. Only 829 new service connections were
installed, in contrast with the 5004 installed during the previous year.
Less than six miles of new mains were added to the distribution sys-
tem in San Francisco as compared to sixteen miles for 1941.

The small increases in active consumers, new services and pipe in-
stallations are due to restrictions of the War Production Board which
have practically stopped all new home construction and have imposed
severe limitations on main extensions.

Existing transmission and distribution facilities were taxed to ca-
pacity to meet the increase in consumption, especially in the higher-
level districts, during the summer months. Further increases in these
higher districts will be temporarily taken care of by means of the
Baden pumping plant or the Alemany pumping plant, either of which
can augment the present deliveries from San Andres reservoir by
pumping Crystal Springs water into the higher-level reservoirs. To
permanently relieve these higher-level districts a program has been laid
out, the major items of which are a new San Andres reservoir outlet
shaft and tunnel; a new 60-inch pipe line from San Andres reservoir
to Sunset reservoir; and a new reservoir in Sutro Forest with connect-
ing pipe line which will serve two-thirds of the consumers now sup-
plied by Stanford Heights reservoir, which reservoir has only slightly
in excess of one day's storage for the district it now serves. Although
funds are available for the San Andres outlet shaft and tunnel, con-
struction work could not be started due to refusal of adequate priori-
ties by the War Production Board. Work is progressing on the engi-
neering plans and for the acquisition of lands and rights-of-way for
this project. During the year the final link of the Crosstown pipe line,

(48)

consisting of 8500 feet of 44-inch steel pipe, was completed, thereby
providing a direct interconnecting pipe between the three major dis-
tribution reservoirs in San Francisco.

On June 9, 1942, the people of San Francisco, by a vote of 115,479 to
21,071, authorized a bond issue of $1,250,000 to provide construction of
the Lake Merced Auxiliary Steam Pumping Plant. The purpose of this
proposed plant is to insure a continuous supply of water throughout
the city during any emergency. Refusal of the necessary priorities by
the War Production Board has prevented undertaking the construction
of this plant.

Following December 7, 1941, armed guards have been continuously
posted at strategic points throughout the water system. Privately em-
ployed guards have now been replaced by the State Guard. Other pre-
cautions include guard fences, barring the public from certain areas,
identification cards for department employees and measures to insure
the purity of the water supply in case of sabotage or other war-time
conditions.

Some one hundred and fifty department employees are enrolled as
volunteers in the Utility Repair Section of the city's Civilian Defense
organization in addition to their regular duties. Emergency repair
supplies and equipment are located at established centers throughout
the city. All Water Department crews in Alameda and San Mateo
counties are organized to report to their respective headquarters in
case of any emergency.

Forty-four Water Department employees are now in the military ser-
vice of their country. The department has also lost eleven others due
to war leaves and war lay-offs and many others have left for higher-
paying positions in defense industries, thereby causing increasing dif-
ficulties in maintaining necessary personnel, especially in temporary
employments for seasonal maintenance work.

The past winter's rainfall on the local watersheds was approximately
20 per cent above normal and at the end of the run-off season all
reservoirs were close to the point of overflowing. During the first five
months of this year the Hetch Hetchy sytem delivered an average of
about 30 million gallons daily, most of which was used to maintain a
high water level in Crystal Springs reservoir as a precautionary war
measure and also to supply potable water to certain suburban con-
sumers during periods of excessive turbidity in Calaveras reservoir.

Local storage at the close of 1942 was approximately 41.5 billion gal-
lons, or the equivalent of over 500 days* supply.

A resume of the financial results of the city's operation of the Water
Department from March 3, 1930, to December 31, 1942, shows a gross
income of $90,982,979 and operating expenses of $53,718,275. The net
income of $37,264,704 was used for:

Contribution to General funds for Hetch Hetchy bond

interest and redemption $10,825,870

Contributions to Hetch Hetchy System 3,532,716

Redemption of Water Department Bonds 16,001,094

Additions and Betterments 6,590,218

Surplus and Miscellaneous 314,806

In addition to this net income, the Water Department has furnished
water free of charge to various other city departments to the amount
of $5,092,470 and through a series of rate reductions has saved water
consumers nearly $8,000,000 as compared to rates under the former pri-
vate ownership.

San Francisco Airport

In the world-wide air war now being waged, the swift movement of
men and supplies is of paramount importance. An air war can be car-
ried on successfully only when air power is dominant and when supply
lines are maintained by air. Such air power and air transportation

(49)

must have operational bases. The citizens of San Francisco have pro-
vided such a base at the San Francisco Airport.

Therefore, it should indeed be gratifying to the citizens of San Fran-
cisco to know that their airport has become of vital importance to the
war effort, is serving both the actual and home front, inasmuch as it is
being utilized by tactical military air force units and for scheduled and
cargo airplane operations.

Naturally specific information concerning the extent to which San
Francisco Airport is being utilized for military purposes cannot be dis-
closed at this time. The wholehearted cooperation rendered the U. S.
Army Air Forces by the personnel of the San Francisco Airport can
be attested to by the following letter of commendation:

"HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE
Office of the Commanding General

180 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, California

October 10, 1942.

"The Honorable Angelo J. Rossi
Mayor of San Francisco
San Francisco, California.

"My dear Mayor:

"It is with great pleasure that I quote the following excerpt
from a letter to the Commanding General, IV Fighter Com-
mand, signed by the Commanding Officer, 78th Fighter Group,
conveying a commendation for the outstanding services ren-
dered to his organization by the Airport Manager, Mr. Doolin,
and his employees.

" 'The Manager of the San Francisco Airport, Mr.
Doolin, and his employees have always done everything
possible to further the efficiency and comfort of our
unit stationed there. In addition, the fire fighting
equipment and crews are always available. On one
occasion the driver of the fire truck drove the vehicle
into the fire of a crashed and burning airplane and
put out the blaze in an effort to save the pilot's life.
At all times I have found the employees very helpful.'

"The splendid cooperation displayed at all times by the Air-
port personnel, as well as the many services rendered to an
organization of my command, does not pass unnoticed. I heart-
ily concur in the above commendation and desire to add there-
to my appreciation for the many manifestations of assistance
to the armed forces by the Mayor and employees of the City
of San Francisco.

"Very truly yours,

"(Signed) BARNEY M. GILES,

"Major General, U. S. A.,

Commanding."

Many new installations and improvements provided by the Civil Aero-
nautics Administration contributed to the development of improved op-
erating conditions and facilities. Included among these was the com-
missioning of a federal radio range station, the inauguration and
operation of a remote control intercontinental intercommunication sys-
tem, the expansion of weather bureau facilities, and the assumption of
the operation of the Airport Traffic Control Tower by the Civil Aero-
nautics Administration upon recommendation of the War Department.
In addition to the foregoing, the completion of major physical improve-
ments, the installation of flush type contact lights, and the acquisition

( 50)

of a new revolutionary type of airport fire truck contributed towards a
progressive year.

Although statistics on air line activities indicate substantial in-
creases, the surge in air transportation has been held up temporarily
due to the lack of air line aircraft. This shortage of air line aircraft
has become more acute since the government has found it necessary to
take over much of their equipment for more urgent needs. The traffic
tabulation is as follows:

Comparison with

Total for 19Jfl — Increase
1942 or decrease

Passengers (in and out) 225,100 plus 9%

Air mail poundage (on only) . .1,852,100 plus 108%

Air express pounds (on only) . . 362,200 plus 12%

Scheduled planes in and out... 17,600 minus 31%

Domestic air carrier operations records indicate that the revenue
passenger load factor on United Air Lines Transport Corporation sched-
ules operating in and out of San Francisco Airport are the highest of
any airport in the United States.

Statistics also disclosed that the operating efficiency of scheduled air
lines, including United Air Lines and Transcontinental and Western
Air, Inc., were among the highest in the United States. Although no
comparative tabulation is available from other airports at this time,
we should be proud of the fact that of some 17,829 scheduled arrivals
and departures, 17,623 were completed for an actual operating percent-
age of 98.8. It is doubtful whether any other major city's air terminal
can produce such an efficient record, and with San Francisco located
in such a strategic location in regards to future trans-oceanic air line
operations, we may well look to the future for a tremendous expansion
in air transportation.

San Francisco Airport, developed by San Franciscans for peacetime
air transportation, has proved a good investment of tremendous value
to our protection and to the war effort, and we may well look forward
to the post-war era when the present facilities will provide the nucleus
for the increased tempo of scheduled aircraft landings and takeoffs
which will be accommodating passengers and cargo to and from all
parts of the world.

Park Commission

The Park Department, operating under the jurisdiction of a Park
Commission of five members appointed by the Mayor, is comprised of
Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Zoological Gardens, Yacht Har-
bor, Aquatic Park, the Lincoln, Harding and Sharp Park Golf Courses
and fifty-four smaller parks and squares, affording the people of San
Francisco almost every known type of recreation and consists of ap-
proximately 5000 acres, all beautifully developed and landscaped under
the guiding genius of the late John McLaren, Superintendent of Parks.
Fifty-five years ago when Mr. McLaren was first appointed Superinten-
dent it was his dream that such a system of parks could be developed in
San Francisco. Today it is a reality, for in every district in our city
there is within walking distance of every person a beautiful park or
square.

The past year saw the restoration of Union Square into a more
beautiful park than ever before, a part of a gigantic engineering feat,
completed after a year and a half of construction, which provided
downtown San Francisco with one of the largest garages in the world.

The garage proper consists of four floors underground, with a capac-
ity of 1700 automobiles. The facilities provided by this project have
done a great deal toward solving the parking problem in the city's most

(51 )

congested area. Under the terms of the Union Square Garage agree-
ment, the city receives an annual return of approximately $20,000 in
rents and taxes, and the garage property itself will revert to the City
and County of San Francisco at the end of fifty years.

The new San Francisco Zoological Gardens have surpassed the high-
est expectations as an outstanding attraction. On Sundays and holi-
days attendance has averaged well over 50,000 persons. The Zoological
Gardens have been of great interest to the thousands of soldiers and
sailors from every state in the union, as well as from other countries,
who have visited our city this past year.

The Aboretum has proved to be a continuing source of interest to the
increasing number of visitors to Golden Gate Park. This project,
started in 1938 and made possible by the Strybing Bequest of approxi-
mately $175,000, has been added to from year to year until at the present
time the Arboretum grounds are in excess of seven acres. The area
used for this purpose has been arranged geographically and contains
flora and plant life collected from every country on the globe. Botanical
research is carried on here for the benefit of garden lovers who form
a large part of the citizenry of San Francisco.

Early in the year an influx of military units into San Francisco
created a problem as to where to bivouac the thousands of soldiers.
This condition was alleviated when the Park Commission entered into
lease agreements with the United States government for the use of
certain park properties. Fleishhacker Playfield Area, Aquatic Park
Center, portions of Golden Gate Park Stadium and portions of McLaren
Park were utilized by the army for this purpose. On one weekend
alone over 10,000 soldiers on maneuvers pitched their tents in Golden
Gate Park.

Recreation facilities under the jurisdiction of the Park Department
have been improved considerably during the past year. Sharp Park
Golf Course, one of the three courses operated and maintained by the
Park Department, has been improved by the addition of four new holes
and fairways. Authorities in golf circles point to this course as one
of championship caliber comparable to the nationally known Pebble
Beach course.

Berthing facilities at Yacht Harbor have been increased by the build-
ing of an additional unit at a cost of $25,000. This enlarged project is
rapidly making San Francisco the mecca for yachting enthusiasts of
Northern California.

Kezar Stadium, with a seating capacity of 60,000 persons, proved to
be the popular stadium for major football games and as a consequence
the estimated revenues from this concession were doubled. This in-
creased popularity can, no doubt, be attributed in some part to tire
rationing.

The Park Commission has done everything in its power to stimulate
interest in Victory Gardens due to a shortage of fresh vegetables in
San Francisco created by war-time conditions. Approximately 250
garden plots were laid out in Golden Gate Park and turned over to
the general public for the growing of vegetables. Three model gardens
were designed and planted to serve as a guide to the participants in this
activity.

Compliance with the war-time policy of deferring construction work,
together with a lack of material and labor, has made it impossible for
the Park Department to inaugurate many new projects. Efforts during
the year were confined for the most part to maintenance. Roads and
paths have been repaired and park buildings rehabilitated. Trees and
shrubs have been pruned, meadows and lawns replanted.

Today, seventy-one years after the inception of the Park System, we
find that San Francisco parks compare favorably with the finest to be
found in any part of the United States.

(52)

Recreation Commission

Due to war conditions it became necessary to make various changes
in the program of the San Francisco Recreation Department.

Funston Playground was taken over by the United States Army for
military headquarters and partial Army use was made of Crocker
Amazon, Potrero Hill, Father Crowley and Julius Kahn Playgrounds.

An air raid warning system relaying advance alarms to all play-
grounds was placed in effect. Air raid drills and instructions were
given the children as a precaution in case of serious trouble. These
drills were often presented in the form of a game. Compulsory Red
Cross First Aid Courses for directors were started early in January.
A survey of air raid shelters near playgrounds was undertaken. Taking
a page from England's war time experiences, the Commission saw its
duty to provide public recreation on the broadest possible scale as a
means of maintaining morale. Child guidance experts who had ob-
served for more than a year actual bombing conditions in England told
us that games, gymnasium classes, dancing, handicraft, music and all
recreation pursuits were considered a "must" in the morale defense
program of the English people. With this in mind all members of the
staff were called upon to do a double job in morale building, and thus
reduce the war time strain experienced by everyone.

Night gymnasia, after proper blackout equipment was installed, were
reopened and leagues resumed. Twilight outdoor tournaments sup-
plemented the late evening games. Recreation for Army "and Navy was
greatly expanded. Athletic leagues were conducted and equipment
supplied. The Department's recently acquired Crystal Plunge became
an important center for Army, Navy swimming and life saving classes.
Service men's dances and parties were given almost nightly at the
Crystal Plunge ballroom, Sigmund Stern Grove and Funston Play-
ground. A recreation center for enlisted men was opened at the Music
Center on Market Street. A craft and photograhic center at Father
Crowley Playground was already functioning. •

Meetings were called at which the personnel leaders from over one
hundred industrial and commercial firms sat with the recreation staff
and worked out a war time program. Such conferences resulted in
these firms establishing blackout recreation rooms as morale aids with
table games, books, magazines, phonographs, etc., for the employees.

The local Civilian Defense Council found the Recreation Department
eager to assist. Instruction and drill classes for air raid wardens,
auxiliary police and Red Cross First Aid were conducted at recreation
centers, playgrounds and gymnasia. The grandstands and bleachers
of the large playground athletic fields were crowded nightly to witness
the San Francisco Fire Department's neighborhood demonstrations in
home protection against incendiary bombs or gas attacks.

General maintenance and special repair work of buildings and
grounds included the continuation of the floodlighting system at Fun-
ston Playground, the erection of steel baseball backstops at Glen Park,
Sunset and Angelo J. Rossi Playgrounds, the erection of fences on
these areas and the regrading of all baseball diamonds.

The new accounting procedures recommended by the Controller's
Office have operated effectively. The Recreation Commission on March
18, 1942, through letter, was commended by the Controller for the
Department's progress in keeping its accounting records.

Early in February precautionary defense measures of the United
States Army and the California State Guard threatened San Fran-
ciscans with a closed municipal summer camp at Mather.

Fortunately, adequate protection for the city's water power supply
at Hetch Hetchy was made possible without the necessity of closing
camp, and Mather, while restricted in its operation, enjoyed a suc-
cessful season providing restful vacations for San Francisco's civilian
and defense workers' families.

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Here in town, due to reduced travel, the Sigmund Stern Recreation
Grove had a most popular season. 92,875 people attended the open air
concerts and hundreds more enjoyed parties and evening socials.

In addition to the foregoing list of activities altered to conform with
a program of war, the Recreation Commission continued its service to
the public through its operation of 93 regularly supervised units;
14 gymnasia of the Board of Education were supervised for evening
athletics and social activities. For the sixth consecutive summer 37
schoolyards were operated as playgrounds during the vacation period.
These were in addition to 30 regularly supervised year round school-
yards.

The Industrial Division had a total membership of 83 industrial and
commercial firms and provided a war revised sport and social calendar
throughout the year.

The average total weekly attendance for all recreation units through-
out the year was 99,395.

The facilities of the Recreation Department are available to me in
the armed forces at all times. These include putting greens, bowling
greens, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, softball diamonds, basketball
courts, horseshoe links, and at our Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove
there is opportunity for picnics, barbecues, and small parties.

Oftentimes men in uniform will be seen playing with their families
in our recreation areas.

A more detailed account of the Department's activities is to be found
in the Annual Report of the Commission, for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1942.

City Planning Commission

Increases in the budget appropriations for this department for the
fiscal year, 1941-1942, have enabled the City Planning Commission to
undertake the preparation of a Master Plan for the physical develop-
ment of the city. Problems facing the City of San Francisco in the
post-war period can best be solved if the city has a Master Plan.

To aid and advise the local planning staff in this work, a professional
city planning consultant was engaged on a part-time basis under con-
tract from September 15, 1941, to September 14, 1942. During this
period the Commission come to the conclusion that better results would
be secured through employment of a city planner able to give continu-
ous supervision to its technical work. The Commission therefore con-
tracted with a qualified professional city planner on a full-time basis
commencing September 17th of this year. This change in direction of
the work will not, however, involve sacrifice of work previously accom-
plished. All plans heretofore made or in progress will be utilized as far
as possible.

Certain accomplishments resulting from activity of the department
may be noted. Recommendations were made by the Commission of a
new system of traffic regulation in the Central Business District. These
recommendations, which were adopted by the Board of Supervisors and
approved by the Mayor, included the introduction of certain one-way
streets, limitation of parking, and left-turn prohibitions at important
intersections. The new regulations so far inaugurated have notably
reduced traffic congestion. Studies of traffic movement are continuing
and it is contemplated that additional regulations will be proposed
from time to time. The object is to make the most efficient use of
existing street facilities and to improve mass transportation for war
workers.

The program of general activity as outlined in our report of last
year is being followed and needs no repetition here. Work on the
Master Plan will be accelerated. The Commission believes that great
benefit will accrue to the city through early completion of the main
features of the Master Plan. Post-war recovery will be based largely
upon the accumulated needs of the cities of the nation. Those cities

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prepared with far-sighted, practicable plans will be in the best position
to serve their people. Post-war planning as it is now carried forward
in San Francisco is concerned directly with the well-being of the aver-
age citizen in the years of peace which lie ahead.

A resum6 of Commission ordinary routine activities follows:

Zoning. Only 24 applications for changes in zoning classification
were filed this year, as compared to 124 for the previous year. Of the
24 applications filed, 9 were approved, 12 were disapproved, and 3 were
withdrawn. Four applications filed in previous years are awaiting
action.

Building Lines. A total of 10 proposals to establish building set-
back lines were instituted by the Commission on its own motion and
all were established. Two applications filed proposing to modify or
abolish set-back lines were disapproved.

In all a total of but 12 set-back building line proposals were consid-
ered as compared to 21 for the previous year.

Permit Checking. In compliance with Section 24 of the Charter, all
licenses and permits issued by the various municipal departments have
been cleared as to compliance with the zoning ordinance.

The greater number of such applications are for building permits
transmitted to this office through the Central Permit Bureau. This year
but 3173 such applications were filed as compared to approximately
8700 for the year 1941.

In addition to building permits, all licenses issued by the Tax Col-
lector's Office, Department of Health, Police Department and the Fire
Department have been examined by this office and cleared prior to their
issuance by the respective departments. This continuing phase of the
Commission's activity has brought about a noticeable decrease in
enforcement duties and, in addition, to a large extent, has eliminated
citizen complaints.

Mapping Project. The W. P. A. City-wide Mapping Project, spon-
sored by the Commission, has completed all the base blocks of the City.
Each such base block drawn at a scale of 50 feet to the inch, shows all
improvements erected in each block, construction and use thereof.
Extensive use will be made of these maps in the course of work on the
Master Plan and in future consideration to be given a comprehensive
zoning ordinance.

With final delivery of all the original base blocks from W. P. A., it
will devolve on this department to bring them up-to-date as to build-
ings erected since their completion and constantly to maintain and keep
them up-to-date.

The Commission wishes to acknowledge with appreciation the com-
plete cooperation manifested to date by all the municipal departments
and civic organizations with which it has had contact. City planning,
perhaps more than any other type of municipal service, is essentially
a cooperative effort. The Commission is conscious always of the valu-
able contributions to its work made by other agencies.

Board of Permit Appeals

The Board of Permit Appeals is comparable to the Small Claims
Court, inasmuch as appeals can be taken from the various departments
and commissions having granting and revoking power, with regard to
permits and licenses without any cost whatever. There are five mem-
bers appointed to sit as an appellate court with regard to permits and
licenses, although the members of this Board are laymen. It is their
duty, when matters are appealed to them, to hear both sides and make
their decisions.

On numerous occasions, appeals were taken where a permit was
denied, due to a minor infraction of the law. While this Board has
not the power to authorize anyone to violate any laws, in many
instances, methods were suggested by which minor changes could be

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made so that the appellant would be conforming with our laws and
the permit granted.

During the year 58 appeals were heard. These were taken from
action by the following officials and departments: Fire Department, 1;
Health Department, 6; Director of Public Works, 32; Police Depart-
ment, 18; Tax Collector, 1; Prehearings granted, 4; No jurisdiction, 1;
Pending, 1; making a total of 58.

Many of the matters heard and decided by this Board concerned the
United States Government and were of vital importance to the War
Work program and in a helpful and legal solution devised by the Board.
Matters of grave importance were expedited to the satisfaction of all
parties concerned.

The work of the office is up to date. It is the aim of this department
to dispose of causes before it as rapidly as possible.

War Memorial and Opera House

The San Francisco War Memorial, consisting of the Veterans' Build-
ing, the Opera House, the Art Museum and the Court of Honor, is per-
haps the most outstanding memorial to deceased veterans. The man-
agement and operation of these buildings is reposed in the War
Memorial Board of Trustees of the City and County of San Francisco.

San Francisco's Opera House is the only municipally owned building
of its kind in the United States; the Veteran's Building constitutes the
most pretentious home ever built for the exclusive use of veterans of
wars in which our country has participated, while the Museum of Art
is open to the public in the evenings.

The very nature of this group, which was constructed by the people,
shows at a glance the importance and widely different appeal that each
building holds forth to the various groups of our citizenry.

Music lovers of San Francisco appreciate their possession of the mag-
nificent Opera House, which is the headquarters of the cultural life of
the city.

The veterans enjoy with the utmost appreciation the magnificent
edifice which houses their activities.

Art lovers have recognized the extraordinarily fine Museum which
occupies the fourth floor of the Veterans' Building. Approximately a
quarter of a million people have availed themselves of the splendidly
lighted and equipped galleries of the Museum during the past year.

The four floors of the Veterans' Building, devoted to offices, meeting
rooms, clubrooms, auditorium and other facilities, serve approximately
183 organizations of veteran groups. It is estimated that three-quarters
of a million persons annually make use of this building's facilities.
Day and night numerous activities attract large groups of citizens.

During the past year the Opera House was used 143 times for public
presentations; this represents an approximate attendance of a half
million people.

No previous opera season has been more outstanding than the one
immediately past, this in view of the many difficult and complex prob-
lems arising because of wartime conditions.

The world's greatest artists participated in 15 performances of grand
opera presented in a manner unsurpassed in any part of the world.
This gave to the citizens of San Francisco a season of the finest opera
ever enjoyed here.

The great conflict in which these United States have been engaged
in for the past year brought about the use of the Opera House on many
occasions for the presentation of patriotic programs.

Groups representing the various Allied Nations availed themselves
of the use of this splendid edifice, to sponsor programs tending toward
promoting better understanding and mutual helpfulness with our
Allies.

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A very large number of the personnel of our Armed Forces attended
every performance, thereby adding color and stimulating a greater war
effort on the part of our citizenry.

The Opera House has been "blacked out" and procedure adopted to
assure the safety of the patrons should any incident occur, this with
the approval of the Civilian Defense authorities. As an additional safe-
guard, trained air raid wardens are on duty during each performance.

Perhaps no one factor is more important to the maintenance of the
San Francisco Opera Association than the existence of our own San
Francisco Opera House. This organization, established in a home befit-
ting the type of culture they represent, has carried the city's name in
all of its announcements, circulated throughout the world.

A large number of tourists and many local residents visit the War
Memorial Buildings and are taken on a tour by a competent guide.

The imposing edifices of the War Memorial are a great addition to
the city's general appearance.

The War Memorial Department is operated under city ordinance.
The President of the Board of Trustees during the year 1942 was Harry
A. Milton.

Art Commission

The Art Commission, during the past year, has continued to carry
out its duties, assignments and responsibilities as specified in the City
Charter, in a particularly noteworthy manner. Of particular signifi-
cance is a set of principles adopted by the Art Commission. I quote
from the resolution, the following:

"We represent the welfare of Art in San Francisco. This
trust we have held for over ten years. In behalf of music,
we have aimed to administer City Tax Funds wisely, toward
securing the best music for all. We have exercised Architec-
tural design influence over public buildings. We have passed
upon works of painting and sculpture for public use. While
our Charter limits our initiative powers, we still are free to
state our principles as we encourage sound Art. San Fran-
cisco is endowed with a rare geographic and scenic setting.
Its original charm has been marred by man.

"The restoration period following our present war will surely
include the development of new housing on a vast scale. Plans
for such housing should be soundly related to our city plan
and prepared in advance. New building schemes should con-
sider not alone practical needs, but also those insuring health.
Beauty in design, form and color should be appreciated and
emphasized. There must be air, light and sun; also trees,
shrubs, grass and flowers.

"We resolve further to benefit San Francisco in the following
ways: In the creation of a master plan, wide in scope to em-
brace all inherent problems, including streets and arteries rea-
sonable in grade, consistent in alignment and flow, with ade-
quate width. We foster attractive appearance for every aspect
of our city; through noble conception in Architecture and supe-
rior materials; in universal tree planting for streets and
plazas, in fitting use and planting for vacant areas. The mas-
ter plan should express our needs far into the future and still
be flexible. All sound elements of the Daniel H. Burnham Plan
of 1905 deserve realization with sympathetic interpretation."

While making a declaration of faith in the future of San Francisco,
this plan does not contemplate immediate action nor expenditure of
funds. War must be met with energy and accord. Still, the Art Com-
mission now stresses the need of steadily thinking on the general and
cultural welfare of our city for peacetime realization. This can only
be achieved through sound planning and close cooperation between all
civic commissions and bodies concerned.

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Last year the Art Commission's Municipal Concerts Series was con-
fronted by the tremendous handicap brought about by the discords of
war. Would the people of San Francisco respond to the music activi-
ties planned by the Commission? It is indeed gratifying to know that
our people did respond in greater numbers and with more enthusiasm
than they had ever done in the past, thus cherishing the spirit of good
music which makes our American way of living so precious.

I am informed by the secretary that the advance sale for the Art
Commission Series of Municipal Concerts for the year 1943 is 50 per
cent more than in any previous year. In carrying out its program in
offering the inspiration of music not to the privileged few, but to every
man, woman and child, the Art Commission proves the words of the
Honorable Charles A. Thompson, Chief of the Division of Cultural Re-
lations of the United States Department of State, who has said:

"Music is one of the greatest satisfactions of life that cannot

be touched by rations, or priorities, cannot be sunk at sea, nor

seized by conquering armies for their own use."

M. H. de Young Memorial Museum

At the close of the first year of war it is interesting to note how
little changing conditions have affected the attendance of the M. H.
de Young Memorial Museum. Despite the falling off of tourist traffic,
which in former years had contributed substantially to the annual at-
tendance, the number of visitors has decreased but slightly. Actual
attendance figures through November were 453,513. This is a sign both
of the popularity of the museum with the San Francisco public and of
the fact that, especially in times like these, people more than ever
need and appreciate the spiritual values of art and education as offered
in our museums.

War conditions naturally affected the exhibition activities. Out for
the duration are the large exhibitions of priceless masterpieces which
formerly the museum was able to secure from the world's foremost col-
lections. Nevertheless the museum succeeded in arranging important
and attractive shows throughout the year. They were mainly devoted
to the art and civilization of our own country and the Allied Nations.
The first months of 1942 saw a return showing of the great exhibition
"The Painting of France since the French Revolution," which the
museum had secured from the French government for its first display
in the United States in 1940 and which had subsequently been exhibited
in the New York Metropolitan Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago
and the museums of Los Angeles and Portland. Other major exhibi-
tions featured the "History of the Chair, Originals from 1492 to 1942";
"Arts of America before Columbus, 500 B.C. to 1500 A.D.," one of the
most important exhibitions of its kind ever held; the exhibition "The-
atre and Dance," featuring the entire history of the stage in designs,
models, costumes, etc.; an exhibition of old "American Paintings from
the Revolution to the Civil War." Timely in their tie-up with world
events were exhibitions of Russian painting, Indian textiles and minia-
tures and Islamic art works. Comprehensive one-man shows were de-
voted to leading American artists such as Douglas Parshall, Takal,
Lebrun and Chariot. Several interesting shows were provided by mem-
bers of the armed forces, notably works by Private Cagli of the U. S.
Field Artillery, a group show "Paintings on and off the Post" by
soldier artists and, finally, studies in interior decoration by Private
Bob Brown. Of considerable local interest was a series of small exhibi-
tions of photographs, documents, etc., under the title "Know your San
Francisco" which was held in the section of the museum devoted to
the history of California.

Outstanding among the acquisitions of last year is a painting of the
famous French writer, Mme. de Stael, by the French 18th century
painter, Joseph Siffred Duplessis. This important picture, together
with other fine paintings, pieces of furniture, etc., was given to the
museum by the de Young family at the time of the dismantling of the

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de Young home on California Street. From the fund left by Mr.
de Young the museum was able to acquire other significant art objects:
a painting "The Diligent Daughter and the Good-for-Nothing Son" by
the Neapolitan 18th century painter, Giuseppe Bonito; a small bronze
statue of "Mercury" by the famous 16th century Florentine sculptor,
Giovanni Bologna; an extremely rare Italian 15th century folding arm-
chair; a number of Pre-Columbian objects, notably Mexican (Tarascan)
clay figurines and South American stone metates and earthernware
jugs. Other valuable items were added to the collections of American
and European decorative arts and Californiana by various donors.

The Educational Department has considerably increased its activities,
particularly in arranging special courses for adults and children.
Started last year and continuing through this year are a series of lec-
tures given by the director and staff members covering various phases
of fine and decorative arts. The museum was also fortunate to secure
frequently recognized art authorities as guest speakers in connection
with important exhibitions. A new program for children, classes in
clay modeling for young artists up to high school age and the "Art
Apprentices' Guild" for high school students, was inaugurated in De-
cember and will continue throughout the coming year.

California Palace of the Legion of Honor

Despite unusual conditions brought about by the war, the California
Palace of the Legion of Honor has enjoyed a successful year. During
the past twelve months important additions have been made to the
permanent collections. Many more loan exhibitions than heretofore —
53 in 1942, as opposed to 30 in 1941 — have been presented for the enjoy-
ment of the public. An educational program, infinitely more ambitious
than any attempted in previous years, has been carried out with
marked success. The attendance compares favorably with that of
normal years. Not only has the Museum operated more actively than
ever before, but these operations have been effected without interrup-
tion in the face of frequent and inevitable changes in personnel. Mean-
while, necessary precautions have been taken for the safeguarding of
the building and its contents during the existing emergency.

Loan Exhibitions. Following a custom of long standing, the Museum
presented during the early summer a loan exhibition of major impor-
tance. This year the exhibition, entitled "Vanity Fair," provided a
comprehensive survey of styles in women's headdress and adornment
from Egyptian times to the present. Nearly three hundred objects of
the fine and decorative arts — paintings, sculpture, tapestries, jewelry
and ceramics — were included. It is interesting to note that in assem-
bling this exhibition, which was enthusiastically received, the Museum
as usual enjoyed the generous cooperation of leading museums and
collectors throughout the country.

Four other exhibitions which attracted particular attention were:
"Britain at War," a large and distinguished collection of paintings and
photographs chosen by Sir Kenneth Clark, Director of the National
Gallery, London, to illustrate the many phases of Britain's war effort;
"America Goes to War," assembled by the Museum as a logical sup-
plement to, and presented simultaneously with, the exhibition depict-
ing British war activities. Both exhibitions contained interesting sec-
tions devoted to camouflage; "Paintings, Drawings and Prints by Sal-
vador Dali," the noted contemporary surrealist artist; "Movies in the
Making," an exhibition designed to show the important part played
by the art director in the production of a motion picture. For the
loan of miniature models, original sketches and photographic mate-
rial to this exhibition, the first of its kind ever held in the west, the
Museum was indebted to all of the major Hollywood studios.

The exhibition program also included the following: Paintings and
Prints by Meta C. Hendel; Drawings and Monotypes by Frank van
Sloun; Painters as Ballet Designers; The Art of Children; Birds and
Fish in Art; Paintings by George Chann; Drawings by William Little-

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field; 75 Years of American Painting; Watercolors by Michael Czaja;
Recent Architecture by Raphael Soriano (Photographs and Models);
Contemporary Mexican Prints; Paintings by Living California Artists;
Watercolors Illustrating Naval Defense Activities by Vernon Howe
Bailey; Paintings by Maryland Artists; Watercolors and Drawings by
Rowena Meeks Abdy; Lithographs by Larsen Lorensen, Ray Bertrand
and Theodore Polos; Drawings from the Collection of Wright Luding-
ton; Paintings by Women; Ancestral Sources of Modern Painting;
The Work of Edwin and Robert Grabhorn; Paintings by American
Impressionists; Dutch and Flemish Paintings from 1G00 to 1800; Dutch
Painting of the 19th Century; Italian Paintings of the Renaissance
and Baroque Periods; Napoleonic Broadsides; How the Child Draws;
Watercolors by Stanley Wood; Bronzes by Herbert Haseltine; Art in
War; Chinese Sculpture; Sculpture for Children; Photographs by
Minor White; Enamels by Karl Drerup; Exhibition of Paintings and
Sculpture, sponsored by the Society for Sanity in Art; Stockholm
Builds (Architectural Photographs); Drawings and Small Oils by
Dorothy Puccinelli; Pastels and Drawings by Robert Henri; Canadian
War Posters; Master Drawings; and The Christmas Story in Art.
Quite a number of the exhibitions here enumerated reflected the war
activities of the United Nations. These were of especial interest both
to the layman and to the men in the armed forces who, in increasing
numbers, have visited the gallery in recent months.

Gifts to the Museum. Thanks to the unceasing generosity of Mr.
H. K. S. Williams, substantial additions were made to the Mildred
Anna Williams Collection in 1942. These were: "Portrait of Master
James Hatch," by Sir William Beechey (1753-1839); "French Village,"
by Jean Charles Cazin (1840-1901); "The Mendicant," bv Thomas
Couture (1815-1879); "Still Life," by Willem Claesz Heda (1594-
1680/2); "Portrait of a Man," by Bartholomeus van der Heist (1613-
1670); "Girl Reading," by Jean Jacques Henner (1829-1905); "The
White Cockatoo," by Melchior Hondecoeter (1636-1695); "Portrait of
the Artist's Daughter, Marguerite," by Henry Howard (1769-1847);
"The Pancakes," by Joseph Israels (1824-1911); "Portrait of a Man,"
by Nicolaes Maes (1632-1693); and "Portrait of a Woman," by Nico-
laes Maes (1632-1693).

With a view to broadening the scope of the collections to include a
selected group of paintings by American artists, Mr. Williams also pre-
sented to the Museum the following: "Beach Scene," by Alfred T.
Bricher (1857-1908); "Portrait of Harriet Hubbard Ayer," by William
M. Chase (1849-1916); "Lake George," by Louis Eilshemius (1864-
1941); "Girl and Calf," by George Fuller (1822-1884); "Paper Mill
Creek," by Thomas Hill (1829-1908); "Landscape," by George Inness
(1825-1894); "Moonlight," by George Inness (1825-1894); "Visit to
Grandpa," by Charles Nahl (1818-1875); "The Blue Veil," by Edmund
Tarbell (1862-1938); "Spring, Central Park," by Manuel Tolegian
(b.1912); "An Old Saint," by Harry Watrous (1857-1942); "Muse of
Music," by J. Alden Weir (1852-1919) ; "Cogitation," by Thomas Water-
man Wood (1823-1903); and "Landscape," by Alexander Wyant (1836-
1892).

A particularly noteworthy gift of the year, comprising eight bronzes
and two marbles by Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), was presented by
Mrs. Alma Spreckels Awl. In donating these important pieces, Mrs.
Awl has completed presentation to the Museum of her entire Rodin
Collection, numbering twenty-eight bronzes and five marbles. The
Museum is now the possessor of one of the most representative collec-
tions of the work of this great sculptor to be found anywhere.

Other donations to the Museum included: "Mother and Children,"
attributed to Carlo Cignani (1628-1719), the gift of Mrs. George P.
Dyer; a group of watercolors, drawings and prints by Wassily Kandin-
sky (b.1866), Alexei Jawlenski (b.1864), Arthur B. Davies (1862-1928),
Boris Deutsch (b.1895) and Pamela Bianco (b.1898), given by Mrs.
J. L. Wolf in memory of Miss Rachel Abel; "Snow at Uzerche," by

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Abel Warshawsky (b.1883), the gift of Mr. Kenneth Slaughter; a Nor-
wegian chalice, given by Mrs. Richard P. McCullough; and, from the
estate of the late Albert M. Bender, a cash bequest of one thousand
dollars. Books were presented to the Museum library by Mrs. Alma
Spreckels Awl, Mr. Alfred Frankenstein, Mrs. Richard P. McCullough
and Mr. H. K. S. Williams.

Educational Activities. More than 25,000 persons participated in the
educational activities planned and carried on by the small but efficient
teaching staff at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor during
the past year. This represents an increase of 25 per cent over the
figures for the preceding year and provides heartening evidence of the
important part which the Museum is playing in the cultural life of
San Francisco and the bay region. Aside from regular gallery tours
and special lectures given in connection with permanent and loan ex-
hibits, the program of educational activities in 1942 included greatly
augmented classes for adults and children. In addition, numerous
college, school and club groups have visited the Museum during the
past twelve months. The most popular feature of the educational pro-
gram has been the series of free motion pictures presented on Satur-
day and Sunday afternoons. In spite of transportation difficulties, the
theater is filled to capacity. Mention should also be made of the regu-
lar weekend organ concerts. Weekly radio broadcasts have been given
by members of the Museum staff over several local stations. A new
service to the public is a group of loan exhibitions comprising material
chosen from the Museum's collections. These have been circulated
among public schools and junior colleges. Aside from the activities
directly undertaken by the California Palace of the Legion of Honor,
the Museum has made the theater and other assembly rooms available
to various groups wishing to use these facilities. In this connection,
courses in civilian protection were given early in the year, instruc-
tions being furnished by the American Women's Voluntary Services.
In October the annual convention of the Western Association of Art
Museum Directors was held at the California Palace of the Legion of
Honor. The director of the Museum has been president of the asso-
ciation during the past year.

In conclusion, the Museum is pleased to announce the publication of
an Illustrated Handbook of the Collections. Issued in response to the
long-felt need for a single publication which would provide a history
and description of the Museum, the handbook contains more than one
hundred and twenty illustrations illustrating the scope and character
of the collections. Appropriately enough, the handbook was issued on
the eighteenth anniversary of the founding of the California Palace of
the Legion of Honor.

San Francisco Museum

It was announced in last year's report that this Museum planned
"to maintain and even to increase appropriate aspects of its functions
for the purpose of contributing to morale and to furnish that recall to
the eternal values of civilization which people need more than ever in
times of such tragedy as the present." In accordance with this
announcement certain changes from peacetime practice were made in
the program of exhibitions and activities for 1942.

In 1941 plans for a series of exhibitions of Latin American art had
already been outlined. This series, considered more urgent with the
outbreak of war, was augmented by additions during 1942. It will be
continued through 1943. Since last January there have been ten
exhibitions in this series, including sizable representations of the art
of such countries as Chile, Argentina, and Mexico, and of individual
artists such as Emilio Pettoruti. The Museum Director, Dr. Grace
McCann Morley, brings special authority to this phase of the program.
Noted for her work in this field, she served during the past and pre-
vious years on the Advisory Committee on Art of the Division of

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Cultural Relations of the Department of State in Washington, and has
been reappointed for the year 1942-1943.

Several exhibitions pertaining to housing and planning problems of
the war and post-war were presented, and preparations are being made
to amplify this aspect in both exhibitions and activities of the coming
year.

Early in 1942 the Museum formed a Council of Art in Wartime. The
Council promptly collected a file of available artistic skills in the
community, compiled a list of relevant exhibition material, and estab-
lished itself as an agency for the convenience of practicing artists and
groups which require artistic assistance in the promotion of war
duties. The Council has served the United States Army, the United
States Navy, the Red Cross, the Office of Civilian Defense, the United
Services Organization, the American Women's Voluntary Services, and
the Ration Board by supplying posters, charts, murals, art materials
for service men, traveling exhibitions, material and instruction for
occupational therapy, decorations for day rooms and Ships Service
Quarters.

Parallel with these activities the Museum offered exhibitions of art
for the services, of art by men in the services, of posters and camou-
flage technics, and of civilian defense tactics as in the large show by
British firemen called "The Fire Blitz, London, 1940."

At the same time the various annual exhibitions of local and state
professional societies were presented. Nor was the customary program
of shows by well-known artists, such as Eugene Berman, curtailed. A
comprehensive display of art principles, sponsored by the Carnegie
Corporation of New York, attracted an estimated attendance of 24,000
teachers, students, and public. A novel exhibition of the Arts of the
Circus, in which history, form, and actual performance were combined
in the galleries, drew approximately 16,000 people during four weeks.
This exhibition received international notice.

More than 135 exhibitions, along with lectures, courses, and special
features, have been presented to an attendance of some 100,000 through-
out the year. During this period the Museum has met two necessary
problems of the war. Because it is of service to people who are busy
elsewhere in the daytime, the normal schedule of evening hours was
maintained during the "dimout" by covering the skylights of open
galleries. The staff is prepared for "blackouts," and adequate shelter
is available to the public. The staff has been reduced, because most of
the men are now in service, but the Museum has been able to maintain
its efficiency without curtailing its functions.

San Francisco Public Library

The present national emergency has caused a noticeable change in
the reading of the public, and libraries are reporting a decrease in the
circulation of recreational reading. The non-fiction classes, however,
maintain an active circulation. The decrease is attributed to the loss
of the large number of men patrons who are now with the armed forces
and also to the mass employment of the major part of the remaining
civilian population. Because of the dim out regulations and the tire
and gas problem the night hours of service at the branches have been
reduced. The branches now close at 9 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. and the
children's sections at 5 p.m.

The periodical and newspaper departments are used extensively. The
amount of work in the newspaper room has practically doubled due to
the large number of persons searching the bound files, prior to 1906,
for records of births, marriages and deaths in order to prove citizen-
ship. The reference department has assembled a complete collection of
all available civilian defense literature. The many and continuous
requests from governmental departments are handled through this
department. There has been such a great increase in the number of
requests from war agencies as well as in the usual number of requests

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from business houses for immediate service that it was necessary to
install a second telephone to be used for the transmission of informa-
tion exclusively.

It is obvious that the decrease in circulation makes it necessary to
curtail the staff and while no employee has been dropped, vacancies,
either through resignations or leaves, will not be filled except when
absolutely necessary. Up to the present time five full time positions
and a number of part-time ones have not been filled. In spite of this
curtailment the service to the public has not been impaired. This
policy is in accordance with my recent recommendation that all city
departments operate on a minimum staff in order to release as many
persons as possible for war work.

A survey was made of the main library, and the basement was pro-
nounced to be one of the best air raid shelters in the Civic Center.
The earth floor was given a substantial covering of asphalt and a
simple first aid station was set up. Another survey was made of the
branch libraries and blackout and dim out regulations were carefully
followed. Where possible branches have equipped blackout rooms for
the public and staff. Many members of the staff are contributing their
free time to various civilian defense activities.

The main library was made the depository for northern California
for the books collected through the Victory Book Campaign. Thousands
of books were received from San Francisco and all parts of northern
California. Consignments were made to the local Red Cross, San Fran-
cisco Recreation Department, U. S. O. Clubs, as well as to the trans-
ports leaving this port. All the remaining books were transferred to
the Presidio and the work is now being done there.

During the year many shipments of discarded books were sent to
the Hassler Health Home, State penitentiaries as well as to the Recrea-
tion Department for their U. S. 0. Clubs.

The City Librarian acted as Chairman of the Committee on the
Conservation of Cultural Resources for Northern California. The mem-
bers of this Committee are the leading librarians of public and uni-
versity libraries and directors of museum and art galleries. Meetings
have been held to formulate plans for storing rare and irreplaceable
material.

During the past few months the library has experienced the largest
turnover of pages and part-timers in its history. College students
receive much more money elsewhere so high school boys and girls had
to be considered and there is great difficulty in even keeping these.

It will be necessary to consider seriously the problem of the branches
now operating in stores. Many of them are in thickly populated dis-
tricts which have outgrown this kind of limited library service.
Although good rents are paid for these quarters the accommodations
are entirely inadequate. Furthermore, the large number of districts,
such as Marina, North Beach and the Sunset district around Thirty-
seventh Avenue have no library service whatever and these should be
given first consideration. If our city is to receive proper library facili-
ties, a program should be formulated in order that the branch system
might be extended systematically each year. It is understood, of
course, that very little can be done regarding this matter until after
the war.

The employees of the Library Department went under Civil Service
on January 1, 1942, and the staff has been reorganized to conform with
the requirements of civil service classification. The Civil Service Com-
mission held its first library entrance examination and there are now
nineteen candidates on the eligible waiting list. A senior librarian
promotional examination was also held and there are fourteen on this
list.

The official photographs of the Golden Gate International Exposition
were turned over to the library. This collection supplements the
records of the Panama Pacific Exposition, which are on file in the
library.

(63)

The renovation and cleaning of the main library and branches has
been completed. All the furniture in the larger rooms at the main
library was cleaned and refinished. Electric directional signs were
installed and a new directory listing all departments and offices was
placed in the lobby. These improvements have proved of much con-
venience to the public. All buildings are in better condition now than
they have been in some time.

The assembly room has been used regularly for lectures by the Audu-
bon Society, California Academy of Sciences and others. Many civilian
defense groups gave courses and lectures on first aid, nutrition and
similar subjects.

The salary scale for the staff was approved as submitted by the
Library Commission as follows: First — that those librarians be granted
a $10 increase provided that they had not reached the maximum of
their present grade; second— that those librarians receiving below the
minimum of their grade be increased at least to the minimum; third —
that no librarian's present salary be decreased regardless of the grade.

The budget for 1942-1943 as originally submitted amounted to $468,-
632 and was finally passed for the sum of $436,931, which is a decrease
of $31,701. The book fund amounted to $52,300 as compared with $67,300
for the previous fiscal year.

San Francisco Law Library

The Law Library, located in the City Hall, is a department of our
municipality of which San Francisco may justly be proud. Originally
a private corporation, the library became the property of the city and
county by legislative enactment in 1870. It then consisted of but 2000
volumes. In 1906 the library, then containing 48,000 volumes, was
totally destroyed by fire. It was thereupon reorganized and rebuilt
under the able direction of its librarian, Mr. James H. Deering. Since
the resignation of Mr. Deering in 1928 the library has been under the
direction and management of its board of trustees and librarian,
Mr. Robert C. Owens.

There are now on the shelves of the Law Library approximately
115,000 volumes of legal material, consisting of text-books, statutes,
reported decisions, legal periodicals, and citations of all American
states, British countries and dominions, and many other foreign coun-
tries.

The library also carries all available war law service, War Labor
Board decisions, text-books on military and martial law, law of court
martial, decisions of the Judge Advocate General, court martial orders
relating to the Army and Navy, and the Federal regulations of the
various governmental boards and bureaus.

It is of particular interest that the legal departments of the United
States Army and Navy and federal governmental and administrative
agencies are extensively availing themselves of the service and material
afforded by the Law Library, and that its facilities are proving of
inestimable value during the present national emergency.

This library is recognized as one of the best collections of legal
material in the nation, and the competent and courteous service given
to the legal profession and the general public by the librarian and his
assistants is noteworthy.

Chief Administrative Officer

Operations of the office of the Chief Administrative Officer and de-
partments under his jurisdiction during 1942 were strongly influenced
by wartime conditions. Principal emergency influences were the man-
power problem and civilian defense activities.

Although the movement of men into the armed forces and war in-
dustries brought personnel problems to virtually all departments, the
difficulty of obtaining and retaining competent employees has been

(64)

particularly acute in the Department of Public Health, the Depart-
ment of Public Works and the Coroner's Office.

The institutions of the Health Department have been short most of
the time of the full complement of personnel set up in the budget and
have had to put up with a constant turn-over, but have maintained
adequately their obligations to the indigent aged and ill. The limited
tenure charter amendment approved by the voters in November should
ease the personnel problem for the balance of the war period.

Both the Health and "Works Departments have had to adjust them-
selves to the drain upon their technical staffs — doctors, engineers,
draftsmen, etc. This they have done, although the Department of Pub-
lic Works has been and will continue to be handicapped in preparing
plans and specifications for post-war construction.

A policy of full cooperation with the armed services and war indus-
tries has been followed by all departments under the Chief Adminis-
trative Officer. Almost no deferments from military service have been
asked, and men with skills needed in war industries who were not
using those skills in their city work have been released.

Replacements of persons leaving the city's service have been made
on a permanent basis only after determination of necessity. Many
positions have been left vacant, and the total number of employees in
departments under the Chief Administrative Officer has decreased de-
spite demands for new war related services. The readiness of person-
nel to carry increased loads of work due to the non-filling of vacancies
deserves commendation.

The Chief Administrative Officer served as chairman of the Procure-
ment Committee of Civilian Defense and since its reorganization has
been a member of the San Francisco War Council. The activities of
the Department of Public Health in establishing and directing emer-
gency aid stations, the Department of Public Works in designing and
constructing emergency stations and protecting public buildings and
CD. installations, the Department of Electricity in connecting and
testing air raid sirens, and installing communications, the Coroner in
setting up a city-wide organization to function in any war emergency,
and the Recorder in handling the micro-filming of vital city records
are detailed in separate departmental reports.

The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible to the Mayor and to
the Board of Supervisors for the supervision of nine departments of
city government — Public Works, Public Health, Purchasing, Real Es-
tate, Electricity, Finance and Records, Coroner, Weights and Measures
and the Agricultural Commissioner. The Department of Finance and
Records includes the offices of County Clerk, Tax Collector, Recorder,
Registrar and Public Administrator. Reports on each of these depart-
ments and offices will be found elsewhere in this message.

During the year the use of city automobiles was placed under tighter
control to conserve tires, equipment and gasoline. Employee-owned
cars used in city business were changed from a monthly allowance to a
mileage basis, necessitating daily records being kept by the operators.
Economy resulted from this change, and records were built up that
made it possible for this office to cooperate with the federal gasoline
rationing agency.

The Street Traffic Advisory Board, under the chairmanship of the
Chief Administrative Officer, gave particular attention to the wartime
traffic-transportation problem and to safety measures, to meet dim-out
and blackout conditions. The board has worked in cooperation with
the City Planning, Police and Public Utilities Commission on war-
caused transportation problems. Safety zone buttons have been largely
removed owing to the hazard they cause under present conditions.
Channelizing traffic by striping of streets has been extended and eub-
stitute concrete and asphalt safety zone markers have been installed
where necessary to protect pedestrians.

Publicity and advertising expenditures have been reduced somewhat
this year because of war travel restrictions and a decrease in hotel
accommodations available to visitors. Token advertising and contacts

(65)

with travel and convention organizations have been maintained to
assure tourists and convention visitors after the war. Financial aid
was given the San Francisco Opera, to the benefit of San Francisco's
renown as a cultural center, and courtesies have been extended distin-
guished visitors. A suitable reception for the officers and crew of the
hero Cruiser "San Francisco" was financed from this fund.

WPA activity decreased as war industries grew during the year.
The number of relief workers dropped from about 4000 at the begin-
ning of the year to less than 300 at the year end. Construction work
by WPA labor had been concluded, and the few community service
projects remaining in operation in December were engaged largely in
war related work. WPA sponsorship cost the city approximately
$90,000 during the calendar year.

Mr. Alvin D. Wilder, Director of Public Works, died on September
18, 1942. His loss was felt keenly, both because of the very many per-
sonal friendships he had won and because of the fine record he had
made as an officer of the city and county. He was replaced by Mr.
H. C. Vensano, who brought into the position the benefits of long ex-
perience as a contractor, consulting engineer and public administrator.

Fees from building permits and for electrical and plumbing inspec-
tion fell off rapidly during the year, and corresponding personnel reduc-
tions were made. The County Clerk and Recorder experienced heavy
increases in marriage licenses issued and recorded and the Health De-
partment's Bureau of Vital Statistics has had difficulty in keeping up
with the demand for birth certificates from persons entering the armed
forces and war industries.

Without any increase in his staff the Purchaser of Supplies handled
all the purchases for Civilian Defense in addition to the regular pur-
chasing for city departments. Rising prices, priorities and scarcities
of many materials made his task difficult.

In accordance with an ordinance adopted by the Board of Super-
visors, the Chief Administrative Officer entered into an agreement with
and authorized payment of $5,000 to the Irwin Memorial Blood Bank
of the County Medical Society. The society agreed for the contribu-
tion to establish and maintain a blood bank to meet emergency condi-
tions that may befall this community and to meet without charge calls
for blood from the Director of Public Health of the City and County.

The Housing Authority of the City and County completed acquisi-
tion of land for the Chinatown Housing Project and notified the city
that it had used all but $3,740.91 of $75,000 advanced to the authority
by the city through the Chief Administrative Officer under an agree-
ment by which the city was to pay one-third of the cost of the site in
excess of $1.50 per square foot. The Chief Administrative Officer ob-
jected to the proposed settlement, contending the authority should re-
fund $5,115.92, and his position was upheld by the Controller and the
Board of Supervisors. The City Attorney was instructed to collect the
larger amount.

Department of Public Health

The impact of the war was felt by every branch of the city govern-
ment, but in no department was this more noticeable than in the De-
partment of Public Health. To its responsibilities already defined,
namely, to safeguard the public health, to prevent communicable
disease, care for and protect the child population, to care for the in-
digent sick and aged, there was added an additional responsibility, the
care of the civilian population in the event of enemy action.

Civilian defense activities were in their beginning. Trained per-
sonnel and supplies were not readily forthcoming. Transportation
facilities were not organized and it therefore devolved on the Director
of Public Health and his staff to furnish an immediate set-up. Using
as a framework the already efficiently organized Emergency Hospital
Service, with trained crews on duty twenty-four hours a day, the emer-
gency medical organization was enlarged by using personnel and ac-

(66)

commodations already in the department. Physicians on the staff en-
gaged in other duties made themselves available for emergency service
on a 24-hour basis. The staff of ninety-one loyal public health nurses
curtailed their routine duties and organized casualty stations at the
health centers already operated by the Department of Public Health.
Emergency supplies were hastily assembled, drills were held and the
entire staff of public health nurses was put on a 24-hour war basis
seven days a week.

A transportation problem likewise was met with equal facility. Emer-
gency vehicles, such as private ambulances, the American Red Cross
Motor Corps, A.W.V.S. station wagons, hearses and delivery trucks
were pressed into service so that early in 1942 there were over 200
vehicles on call in the event of an emergency.

The Director of Public Health, appointed on December 7, 1941, as
Chief of the Emergency Medical Service, also called into consultation
and actively cooperated with the efficient Red Cross Disaster Relief
Service. Direct lines of communication were maintained between the
Central Emergency Hospital and the Control Center and for many
months this system functioned as the only emergency medical service
while the present elaborate service we now have was being organized.

The San Francisco Hospital was included in its share of war effort.
The Blood Bank was considerably enlarged and a large supply of frozen
plasma was stored for an emergency. A gas decontamination unit was
built for the care of persons injured by poison gas. The hospital staff
is also taking an active part in the training of nurses' aides for the
Red Cross.

The Social Service Division introduced a course of training for volun-
teers. These persons will assist the regular members of the staff in
registering, identifying and routine and otherwise assisting in the thir-
teen Health Department hospitals and casualty stations in the event of
a disaster.

A disaster hospital of 400 beds was set up at Laguna Honda Home in
addition to the casualty and dressing station. These are largely staffed
by volunteer personnel supplemented by the regular hospital staff. The
Laguna Honda Home has also been called upon to assist in the housing
of the enlisted men of the armed services spending a weekend or a
night in San Francisco.

The Emergency Hospital Service has a training school for advanced
Red Cross work, also instruction of United States Navy Hospital Corps
men. Blood plasma outfits were set up at each hospital. Two newly
equipped venereal prophylaxis stations have been placed in service —
one at Central Emergency Hospital and one at Harbor Emergency Hos-
pital. These are manned 24-hour periods by hospital corps of the
Army and Navy. These services are in addition to the regular work
of the Emergency Hospitals which treated over 75,000 cases and made
over 37,000 ambulance calls.

The war put an additional strain on the inspection services. Analyses
of the water supply are now made daily instead of semi-weekly as
formerly. Regular inspections are made of troop ships and transports,
greatly assisting the Navy Department in the control of sanitation of
ships' stores handling foodstuffs and of the living quarters.

A housing shortage has arisen due to the increase in population
making it essential to keep careful lookout for violations of the housing
ordinance.

Vigilance has been increased since the outbreak of the war to pre-
vent shipment of food unfit for human consumption into the city. Many
tons of meat and other food products have been condemned since the
first of the year. Also to guard against adulteration which may be
made in an attempt to extend the food supply which is running short.

There has been a considerable increase in population in San Fran-
cisco and this has been reflected in the number of births registered
this year. An increase of 27 per cent over the previous year is indi-
cated.

(67)

General health conditions have been good, although there is an in-
crease of over 9000 more cases of communicable diseases reported. This
has been largely due to mumps and measles in the child population.

Each ship reaching this port is met by a physician from the depart-
ment who, after consultation with the medical officer on the Bhip,
assists in the diagnosis and disposition of persons suffering from com-
municable disease.

The venereal disease program has been greatly enlarged and works
in close cooperation with the Army and Navy and the civilian authori-
ties. The educational program especially has been enlarged, reaching
industrial plants, labor unions and other public gatherings.

The war created an unprecedented demand for certified copies of
birth certificates. As a rule less than 9000 such certificates are made
out annually and this year over 28,000 were issued.

There has been a heavy turn-over of personnel clue to enlistments
and inductions into the military services, leaves of absence to partici-
pate in war work, and resignations from the service to accept positions
in private industry at higher salaries. Military leaves have been
granted to one hundred and forty-six regular members of the Health
Department staff.

Health Service System

The fourth year of operation of Plan I of the Health Service System
was completed September 30, 1942.

During the 12-month period ending September 30, the system pro-
vided medical protection for an average monthly membership of
10,442 employees and 5127 dependents. Of the dependents, 3078 were
adults and 2049 minors.

There was a decrease in the dependent membership below that of the
previous year due primarily to withdrawal of dependents from the sys-
tem for non-dependency.

There was a decrease in the dependent membership below that of the
number of resignations and military leaves of absence exceeding the
number of new permanent employees enrolled in the system.

After the close of the fourth year of operation under Plan I, the
board adopted certain adjustments in the rates designed to increase
the rate of payment for professional services under the so-called unit
plan. The system pays for the services of doctors according to a
schedule of units allowed for each type of service. The full value of
each unit of service was established at $1 at the time the plan was
drawn up.

One of the major problems with which the board has been faced
since the inception of the Health Service has been the payment of a
unit high enough to retain the services of the outstanding doctors of
the community. There has been a gradual improvement in this direc-
tion during the past year and a half. The average unit payment dur-
ing the system's fourth fiscal year was 85 cents. It is expected that
the adjustments which were adopted by the board in October to be-
come effective with the membership month of December will enable
payment of approximately 100 cents on the dollar.

The total disbursement for medical care during the year was $415,-
082. Of this total, $295,885 was paid to physicians and surgeons of the
professional staff. Hospitalization, x-ray and clinical laboratory exam-
inations, physiotherapy and ambulance service amounted to $119,197.
Although there was a decrease of approximately 400 in the average
monthly membership — most of which was among dependents — the total
disbursement for medical service was slightly more than the previous
year.

At the election of November 3, 1942, the voters approved a charter
amendment placing employees of the Health Service Board, except the
Medical Director, under the civil service provisions of the charter.
These employees previously were held to be city employees, and court

(68)

action had compelled their inclusion in the Retirement System in De-
cember of 1940.

Department of Public Works

Highways. Lombard Street from Van Ness Avenue to Richardson
Avenue. The roadway is being increased from 68 feet 9 inches to 100
feet. This increase in width necessitated the purchase of 30 feet of
land on the southerly side of the street and the reduction in sidewalk
widths on the northerly side by 2 feet. The actual construction on
the highway was started in November, 1941, and it is anticipated the
work will be completed on or before February 15, 1943. The new high-
way has a dividing strip of 4 feet separating east and west bound
traffic and provides sufficient room for three traffic lanes on each side
of the dividing strip and a seven-foot parking strip on each side of the
highway. An ornamental lighting system will eventually be installed
in the center of the 4-foot center strip when priorities are removed
on critical materials. The cost of this highway including land pur-
chase, engineering and construction is $1,250,000.

Nineteenth Avenue and Park-Presidio Boulevard. Installation of a
traffic control system — partially completed and contract terminated —
work in amount of $50,000 paid for and when critical materials, such as
cable, controllers and a few appurtenances are obtainable a new con-
tract will be entered into and the project will be completed in its en-
tirety.

School Buildings. Contracts were awarded during the year, for mis-
cellaneous school building work amounting to $246,895.

Civilian Defense Work. Contracts were awarded for blackout cur-
tains, blackout glass, auxiliary firehouses, degassing stations, bomb
protection, etc., $57,420.

In addition to the foregoing work engineering studies and investiga-
tions were made regarding the locations, type and sound intensities
of sirens used for air raid protection. Arrangements have been made
for traffic beacon control to be changed from time switch to street
lighting circuit, to provide for complete blackout for all traffic beacons.

Street work done and paid for from gas tax moneys totaled $197,915.

Contracts for street assessment work, charged to abutting property
owners, amounted to $80,180; private contracts for street work during
the period totaled $351,056; miscellaneous contracts were awarded to
the amount of $33,920.

Miscellaneous Informal Contracts. During the calendar year of 1942
small informal contracts were awarded totaling $35,476. No one con-
tract was in excess of $1,000 as provided in the charter.

W.P.A. Street Projects. The following projects sponsored with the
City and County of San Francisco were completed in 1942.

Funston Playground. Lighting for tennis and handball courts, soft-
ball field, basketball, etc. The city's sponsorship amounted to $35,000.

Railway Track Removals. Tracks were removed in Chenery Street
from Diamond to Thirtieth Street and Thirtieth Street to San Jose
Avenue. Sponsorship for removing rails and repaving streets amounted
to $11,636.

Howard Street — Embarcadero to Ninth Street and from Fourteenth
Street to Twenty-sixth Street. The city's sponsorship for removing
rails and repaving street amounted to $28,822.

O'Shaughnessy Boulevard. This new scenic boulevard connecting
Portola Drive with the Glen Park District at Bosworth Street was
originally started in October, 1937, with C.W.A. hand labor and wheel-
barrows. The entire improvement which includes, purchase of right
of way, excavation fill and sloping, rock base and asphaltic concrete
wearing surfaces, construction of pathways, gutters, drainage facili-
ties, including concrete and pipe sewer, manholes and catchbasins has
now been completed at a cost of $72,362, city's sponsorship from Gas
Tax Funds and W.P.A. costs $207,389, total cost, $279,751.

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Private Building Construction. The fees collected on private build-
ing construction evidence a decrease of 75 per cent as compared to fees
collected in 1941 due to newly enacted federal laws which prohibit the
construction of new buildings and reduces to a minimum alterations
to existing buildings. During 1942 approximately 2900 building permits
were issued at an estimated building cost of $10,000,000, while in the
calendar year of 1941, 8300 building permits were issued at an esti-
mated building cost of $37,250,000.

Post-War Construction. The post-war program includes the following
major projects: Reconstruction of seven boulevards and major streets,
two street extensions, three street widenings, one new bridge, recon-
struction of one viaduct, Traffic Control System on four important
streets, two underpasses, one overpass, traffic channelization of seven
boulevards and major streets, also twenty-five important intersections,
sewer and drainage systems for twenty-one sections of the city.

Operation of Maintenance. In addition to the above construction
work the department performed its regular functions of maintenance
and repair.

Bureau of Streets. The Bureau of Streets cleaned and flushed our
approximately 750 miles of streets and maintained and repaired our
146,000,000 square feet of pavement.

Bureau of Sewer Repair. The Bureau of Sewer Repair flushed,
cleaned and repaired our approximately 790 miles of main sewers, in
addition to cleaning our approximately 40,000 catchbasins and branch
sewers.

Bureau of Building Repair. The Bureau of Building Repair, operat-
ing partly with our own funds on buildings through funds given us by
means of work orders from the Fire Department, School Department,
and others, maintained and repaired 388 of the city's buildings and
maintained janitor service in the City Hall, Hall of Justice, Health
Center Building and twelve Police Stations.

Purchasing Department

Total purchases for the year 1942 amounted to $7,412,863.25, as com-
pared with a total of $5,995,582.47 for the year 1941, showing an in-
crease of $1,417,280.78. The increase of 23.64 per cent can be attributed
principally to the expenditure of $1,274,676.36 for Civilian Defense.
There was a small decrease in the total number of purchase orders
issued this year as compared with last year.

The actual cost of operating the Purchasing Department was re-
duced only by a nominal figure this year as compared with last year,
but the ratio of total cost to the total value of purchases shows a
marked decrease. It is still our objective to conduct the operations
of this department with the greatest economy compatible with effi-
ciency.

A total of 49,793 purchase orders was issued and the separate ex-
penditures for the various departments are summarized below:

No. of Amount of

Department Orders Orders

General and Miscellaneous 27,198 $2,854,811.51

Civilian Defense 1,717 1,274,676.36

Education 7,277 966,543.54

Health 5,100 988,153.57

Water Department 2,951 353,771.78

Utilities (other than Water Dept.) 4,836 909,629.09

W.P.A 714 65,277.40

Total 49,793 $7,412,863.25

The Purchasing Department continues to do all purchasing for all
departments, commissions, boards and institutions of the city and in
addition operates and supervises repair shops for automotive and
mechanical equipment, garages, storerooms, warehouses, and a gaso-

(70)

line and oil service station for municipally-owned automotive equip-
ment.

During the past year, this department, in its control of the city's
equipment inventory, has effected many transfers of property and
equipment from one department to another, thus avoiding the neces-
sity for additional purchases. The equipment inventory continues
to maintain a valuable record, showing the amount of equipment on
hand and the various departments in which it is located.

During this year, in its handling of the sale of city property, the
Purchasing Department has participated actively in the several scrap
and salvage disposal drives. In this work the various departments
of the city made substantial contributions to the war program and
at the same time were able to convert a considerable quantity of
useless material into cash.

The Tabulating Division of this department still handles the statis-
tical operations of the Traffic Fines Bureau, the courts, the police,
and other departments, and has in the past year undertaken addi-
tional operations of considerable scope for several other departments.

Purchasing during the year 1942 has involved many problems and
complications which were as new to us as they were to the rest of the
business and industrial world. The matter of handling priority ap-
plications in order to procure necessary materials and supplies for
all departments has this year occupied all of the time of one experi-
enced employee, and in this work this department has had to lend
continued valuable assistance to nearly all other departments. We
are now, even more than a year ago, forced to go far afield in our
efforts to procure supplies which in ordinary times would be readily
available from many local sources, and it appears that this condition,
with all of its complications of procurement, will continue for the
duration of the war.

It will continue to be the policy of this department to operate with
the highest possible degree of efficiency and at the lowest cost com-
patible with good business procedure.

Department of Electricity

Following is the summary of work accomplished by this department
during the calendar year 1942.

Civilian Defense. In addition to the eight electric motor-driven
sirens installed before the end of December, 1941, 26 more sirens were
installed at various locations throughout the city which, in addition
to the three sirens already installed, makes a total of 37. Monthly tests
have been made of all siren circuits.

Teletype equipment, telephones, tapper and fire alarm circuits and
radios have been installed in the Central Control Room in the basement
of the City Hall, as well as in the new Control Center located in the
Western Women's Club Building.

The department is in the process of installing 400 dimout signs for
the San Francisco Civilian Defense in various parts of the dimout area.

A work order for $10,000 (for fiscal year 1942-43) has been trans-
ferred to this department from the Police Department and we have
ordered and are in the process of installing additional two-way radio
equipment for the Police Department.

Radio receiving sets were maintained and repaired in all police cars,
police motorcycles and Fire Department cars, also in two fire boats,
one police boat and 19 police stations. Teletype system maintained for
the Police Department.

Traffic signals in operations at 211 intersections maintained and
repaired by this department.

Fire Alarm System. Installed 27 new fire alarm boxes, making total
of 1633 boxes now in service. Monthly tests of fire alarm boxes totaled
19,494; signals transmitted 33,859.

Police boxes. Installed 25 new Department of Electricity type boxes
in place of old Gamewell boxes.

(71)

/Street Signs. Repaired or replaced 142 signs, 91 new signs made up
and installed, 34 signs made up but not installed due to lack of poles.

Machine Shop. Manufactured 31 fire alarm boxes, 28 police boxes,
21 police patrol box panels, 2 traffic signal control boxes, 1 air raid
alarm timer, 5 air raid signal units, 165 designation buttons and bush-
ings installed on map for Communication Bureau, 24 resistance switches
for fire alarm equipment, 4000 police patrol box keys, 150 firm alarm
box guard keys, 18 traffic signal dimout shields.

Inspection Bureau. Received 9940 applications; 18,285 applications
approved; 59,846 inspections made. Inspected 12,829 pinball machines,
5679 phonographs. Also various electrical equipment inspected in con-
nection with enforcement of retail sales ordinance. Inspection fees and
other revenue received totaled $67,256.

Inspections of overhead line construction totaled 5909.

Total expenditures amounted to $215,689.

Real Estate Department

During the year 1942, the Real Estate Department, under the Director

of Property, purchased certain real property for various departments
of the City and County of San Francisco, as follows:

Project Parcels Amount

Aquatic Park 1 $ 24,588

Army Street Widening 1 35,000

Bayview Playground 1 12,050

Bernal Heights Boulevard 13 2,854

Clipper Street Extension 1 300

Commodore Stockton School 1 33,850

Fire Department 1 2,700

Fleishhacker Playground 1 18,795

Hillcrest School 1 250

Hunters Point Sewer and Drainage 3 1,200

Lafayette Park 2 40,000

Log Cabin Ranch School 1 25,000

Lombard Street Widening 3 7,658

McLaren Park 4 604

Nineteenth and Ocean Avenues 2 301

Richmond Sewer Tunnel 1 129

San Francisco Airport 1 3,650

Silver Avenue Playground 2 21,520

Stanley Street Parkway 10 5,865

Third Street Widening 3 4,065

Water Department ! 1 750

Yacht Harbor 2 49,839

Totals 56 $290,968

Ten parcels of city-owned land were sold at auction for the total sum
of $^70,055, including the Belmont Pump Station lot and building, cer-
tain property on Jefferson Street to Joe Di Maggio's Grotto, and certain
land at Hunters Point to the Housing Authority of the City and County
of San Francisco. The North Star Laundry building on Army Street
was sold for $1,030.

In connection with the proposed purchase by the city of the Market
Street Railway system, at the request of the Controller, the Real Estate
Department appraised all of the company's operative lands and build-
ings in San Francisco and San Mateo counties as of August, 1942, as
follows:

Lands and Rights of Way $1,058,600

Shops and Car Houses 247,500

Stations and Miscellaneous Buildings 32,000

Substation Buildings 129,800

Total $1,467,900

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Bids were received on May 5, 1942, to lease the Lincoln Building and
lot situated at the southeast corner of Fifth and Market Streets, San
Francisco. The lease was awarded to the San Francisco Holding Com-
pany, the highest responsible bidder, at a rental of $29,500 per month,
as compared with the present ground rental of $7,243 per month. The
total rental under the new lease amounts to $7,080,000 for the full term
of twenty years, commencing July 1, 1943.

A lease for hangar and office space at the San Francisco Airport was
awarded to Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc., for a period of
twenty years beginning October 1, 1942, at a rental of $3,430 per annum
plus certain charges for flight schedules, etc.

A considerable number of leases have been entered into by the City
and County of San Francisco, as lessee, including locations for the
15 districts of the War Price and Rationing Board; 12 locations for
the Air Raid Warden Service; certain space in the Western Women's
Club Building for the Civilian Defense Council; a garage at 3640 Sacra-
mento Street for auxiliary fire trucks. The Director of Property is
also investigating other garages to find suitable additional space for
auxiliary fire trucks.

Various city-owned parcels of land have been leased, at nominal
rentals, to the United States of America for military purposes, pursuant
to Ordinance No. 1756.

A proposed twenty-year oil and gas lease has been prepared covering
the top 1500 feet of 800 acres of certain city-owned land in Kern
County, near Bakersfield, acquired from the Estate of Alfred Fuhrman,
deceased. At present, there are 34 oil wells on this property which
are capable of producing from 1500 to 2000 barrels of oil per month.
The lease has been awarded to the Bishop Oil Company, subject to
confirmation, and requires that the city's royalties shall be 26.26 per
cent of the crude oil, gas, casinghead gasoline and dry gas produced
from the land; and that such royalties shall not be less than $150 per
month or its equivalent.

In accordance with Ordinance No. 1663, the Director of Property was
authorized to employ the necessary real estate and building appraisers
and to assist the Board of Supervisors, sitting as a Board of Equaliza-
tion, to pass upon requests for equalization of 1942-1943 assessments on
taxable real property and improvements situated in the City and County
of San Francisco.

During the year, the Real Estate Department collected rentals in the
total sum of $156,669 from city-owned lands and buildings, and $49,496
from the Civic Auditorium.

Sealer of Weights and Measures

The State law provides that all weighing and measuring devices
used commercially have to be tested and sealed at least once in a year.
This has been accomplished and in conjunction with that work, this
department has upon request of the Army and Navy tested all of the
weighing and measuring devices used by them at 19 depots, within
San Francisco's corporate limits.

Inspections made from January 2, 1942, to December 31, 1942:

Total number of scales sealed, 18,562; adjusted, 1146; condemned,
459; confiscated, 48; total, 20,215. Weights sealed, 21,483; adjusted, 44;
condemned, 22; confiscated, 28; total, 21,577.

Gasoline pumps sealed, 4116; adjusted, 34; condemned, 132; total,
4282.

Liquid Measures sealed, 11,747; adjusted, 246; confiscated, 9; total,
12,002.

Merchandise in containers re-weighed, 159,466; condemned, 3676;
total, 163,142.

Complaints received and adjusted, 86; establishments visited, 11,095;
certificates issued, 9312. Arrests, 6; convictions, 6; fines, $835.

(73)

One of the largest fish wholesalers of this city was arrested and
found guilty by Municipal Judge Peter J. Mullins of selling fish 175 lbs.
short weight to the Commissary Department at Port Scott and fined
$500.

We have upon request of the Office of Price Administration cooper-
ated to the fullest extent in all matters that concerned the sale of
foodstuffs such as the sugar rationing program, etc. F'ive members of
the above-mentioned office accompanied the same number from this
office during the gas rationing program. Every garage in this city
(292 in number) was visited and checked.

Considerable time was spent the first of this year visiting places of
business wherein all commodities placed in containers were offered
and exposed for sale. Due to the fact that space on freight cars dur-
ing this war period is badly needed, all manufacturers were notified
to place their goods in as small a container as possible. This depart-
ment notified concerns in every part of the country, by mail, to com-
ply with this request and the fullest cooperation from these business
men was received.

Coroner

The Coroner's Office, in the period from January 1 to November 1,
has functioned in its usual efficient manner, in spite of the obstacles
necessarily faced due to the shortage of both men and materials,
caused by our present emergency.

Immediately following the onset of the war the Coroner's Office was
placed on an emergency basis, and at present is prepared to function
and cope with any catastrophe that might occur. All of our members
are on call 24 hours every day of the year. Working under our direc-
tion as a division of Civilian Defense are 223 trained volunteer auxil-
iary deputy coroners and at our disposal for emergency use are 39
auxiliary morgues and 66 auxiliary ambulances. This will give us
storage space for 3975 bodies.

A study of the statistics covered by this report shows that this office
handled a total of 2157 cases, an increase of 67 cases over a corre-
sponding period last year. The number of inquests held, 2157; jurors
summoned who served, 584; autopsies performed, 2021; examinations
made by pathologist, 1942; examinations completed by toxicologist,
1906.

Motor vehicle traffic deaths dropped from 77 in 1941 to 73 in 1942.
However of this number, 55 were pedestrians as compared with a
total of 56 in 1941. This relative increase in pedestrian deaths is un-
doubtedly due to dimout regulations.

The occupational fatalities increased from 23 in 1941 to a total of
40 in 1942, due undoubtedly to the industrial speed-up resulting from
the defense program. An interesting sidelight is the fact that 91 cases
collapsed at work from natural causes. In comparison with 1941,
homicides increased to 31 as against 22, while suicides decreased to 136
as compared with 157 in 1941.

The office in this period handled the cases of 19 members of the
armed forces, collaborating the investigations with the Army and
Navy.

Revenue received by the office for certification of papers, verdicts,
and transcripts of testimony increased from $1,014.50 to $1,757.67.

Juvenile Probation Department

Chief Probation Officer, R. R. Miller, reports as follows for the Juven-
ile Probation Department:

During the fiscal year 1941-42, the services of the San Francisco
Juvenile Court have been considerably expanded until, at the present
time, it can truly be said that it is operating as a "Children's Court."

Approximately May 1, 1942, the new courtroom annex was made
available and soon thereafter the final hearings of criminal cases

(74)

brought against adults for contributing to the delinquency of minor
children, were moved from the Hall of Justice to the Juvenile Court.
During the past year, not only has the Honorable Thomas M. Foley,
Juvenile Court Judge, sat as a committing magistrate but also as a
trial judge, and all such cases have been disposed of either by judi-
cial or jury trial.

During this same period of time, construction work has gone for-
ward on the Log Cabin Ranch School for Boys — the city having pur-
chased six hundred and twenty acres at La Honda, California, and
provided sufficient funds for building and equipping the needed quar-
ters. The construction program at the present time is four-fifths com-
pleted. The boys are housed on the ranch property and farming and
agricultural activities are expanding.

This program has proved to be most timely in that resources for
the placement of boys in private institutions have been impossible to
obtain; foster homes for boys have become non-existent, and now with
the food problem brought about by war conditions, the agricultural
activities of the boys are proving more than ever worthwhile.

Many of the graduates of the Log Cabin Ranch School, after several
months of intensive training, have been placed in the armed forces,
merchant marine and defense industries, and we are pleased to report
that they have made excellent adjustments.

In the last fiscal year, we have extended our services to the Do-
mestic Relations Court in the assignment of probation officers to inves-
tigate and report to the judge as to the welfare of children in divorce
cases, guardianships, step-parent adoptions, etc.

The above extension of services was recommended in the Hiller
Report, and at the present time each and every recommendation made
by Mr. Francis Hiller of the National Probation Association, acceptable
to the Probation Committee, has been put into effect.

The war has brought an increase in the problems, particularly as
far as girls are concerned. This situation has placed upon the Juven-
ile Court a greater responsibility in not only the adjustment of the
individual girl, but working with the community in endeavoring to
meet new and changing conditions in order to safeguard the moral
and physical welfare of the children of San Francisco.

I am glad to report that we have met the situations in spite of
personnel difficulties due to losing so many of our regular men and
women employees to the armed services, Red Cross, etc.

The following statistics will give some idea of the volume of busi-
ness handled by this department:

Total number children under Juvenile Court supervision as of

June 30, 1941: 2036 boys, 1936 girls; total, 3972.
Total new petitions filed during fiscal

year 995 (or 1283 children)

Total number of unofficial cases during

fiscal year 1850

Total traffic violation cases (from No-
vember, 1941 to June, 1942) 338

Total reports for Conciliation Court

(divorce investigations) 274

Total step-parent adoption investiga-
tions 82

Total "out-of-town inquiries" 110

Total 3649 cases

Total number children under Juvenile Court supervision as of
June 30, 1942: 1815 boys, 1740 girls; total, 3555.

There was expended from the Maintenance of Minors Fund, includ-
ing all children placed through the Juvenile Court with foster homes,
institutions and own families, the total amount of $694,740.73. Break-
ing this down, there was expended in: Institutions, $18,051.89; foster
homes, $399,050.30; with own families, $277,638.54.

(75)

Of this amount the State and Federal governments reimbursed,
under the State Aid Act for Needy Children (Social Security Act) the
sum of $327,281.59. In addition to this amount the sum of $90,430
was collected by the Juvenile Court from parents under payment or-
ders and reimbursed to the City and County of San Francisco for
moneys spent in behalf of their children, making a total reimbursement
to the County of $417,711.59, and thereby making a total actually ex-
pended from the City and County of San Francisco fund for mainte-
nance of minor children through the Juvenile Court of $277,029.14.

Agricultural Commissioner

Inspection of all inter and intrastate shipments of plants, bulbs and
seed is the responsibility of this department. During the year 1942
the total amount of incoming nursery stock was 3831 shipments,
1,688,210 plants with only 7 shipments rejected, amounting to 3327
plants. Nurseries inspected, 31; private homes inspected, 10; retail
nurseries inspected, 124. Shipments of nursery stock to other points
in the United States and foreign countries: Shipments, 80; plants, 298.

Retail store inspections: 3353 stores inspected for the condition of
fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey and eggs. Fruits, nuts and vegetables —
Reconditioned, 437% packages; remarked, 42 packages; dumped, 122%
packages. Eggs— Reconditioned, 1510 dozen; remarked, 4640 dozen;
dumped, none. Honey — Reconditioned, none; remarked, 202 jars;
dumped, none.

Wholesale fruit and vegetable markets: Number of inspections, 1102.
Fruits and vegetables — Reconditioned, 17,112% packages; remarked,
5991 packages; dumped, 16,322 packages.

There were 1261 shipments of fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereals, gar-
den seed, plants and other miscellaneous commodities shipped to points
in the United States and foreign countries amounting to a total of
207,227 packages.

There were 1538 inspections of potatoes, onions, beans, rice, eggs,
butter, cheese, cereals, dried fruits, alfalfa hay, red oat hay, crushed
oats, rolled barley, bran, rice straw, corn, wheat and birdseed for city
institutions, with only the following four rejections: 346 pounds of
butter.

The revenue taken for export work and city institutions together
for the present year will amount to approximately five thousand
dollars.

On recommendation from the Chief Administrative Office we have
been cooperating with the Board of Health and the Department of
Weights and Measures in our inspection of wholesale and retail estab-
lishments. Since we visit said establishments at regular intervals
throughout each month, we report all violations and adverse conditions
to the above mentioned departments.

This office has also taken an interest in the promulgation of a Vic-
tory Garden project in San Francisco. We expect to take a more ac-
tive interest in Victory Gardens if, and when, the organization is suc-
cessfully completed. This will necessitate helping in surveys and in
giving first hand advice to the citizens of San Francisco who desire to
maintain Victory Gardens.

Department of Finance and Records

The various offices comprising this department, the Tax Collector,
Registrar of Voters, Recorder, County Clerk, and Public Adminis-
trator, have experienced numerous changes in the personnel during
the year 1942, mainly because of the war and the consequent induction
into the armed forces of many of the employees, and lay-offs on the
part of other employees to accept employment in work connected with
the war effort.

During this same year, several of these offices have been called upon
to assist in many ways in the Civilian Defense program and that of

( 76)

the Federal Government. The nature of these services as well as the
activities of these five divisions for the year 1942 are related in sep-
arate reports, submitted herewith.

The expenses for the Director's Office during the year 1942 were
$8,552.80.

Tax Collector

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1942, the following collections
were made:

Real estate taxes and secured personal property

taxes $32,615,164.50

Unsecured personal property taxes (exclusive of

Delinquent Revenue Bureau) for period July

1, 1941, to December 5, 1941 1,475,048.93

In the Bureau of Delinquent Revenue (various

accounts) 140,557.20

In the Bureau of Licenses 459,378.85

Total $34,690,149.48

Total collections ending June 30, 1941 33,460,182.14

Increase $ 1,229,967.34

County Clerk

The year 1942 brought a substantial increase in the total fees re-
ceived by the County Clerk's Office, this increase being largely due to
additional business in the Marriage License Department. The inac-
cessibility of Reno, due to present travel conditions and the large
number of service people desiring to be married in San Francisco, con-
tributed to a very substantial increase over the previous year. The
total fees collected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1942, amounted
to $140,225.48 as against $125,803.40 for the previous fiscal year.

In addition to the prescribed duties of the office, the County Clerk
has been called upon by the United States Bureau of Mines to act as
Licensing Agent for San Francisco in the issuance, under Federal law,
of permits to buy, sell and use explosives. Approval of the Police De-
partment is required in these cases and upon their reports the licenses
are issued by the County Clerk and two of the deputies in his office.

During the year 1942, the County Clerk was called upon by the OPA
to act as consignee of all printed forms to be furnished the people of
San Francisco, in connection with sugar rationing and mileage ration-
ing. These forms were checked as received and turned over to the
local rationing authorities for distribution through the schools of San
Francisco. Both of these tasks have been completed and the County
Clerk awaits further requests to serve in a similar capacity, as the
OPA shall undertake the rationing of other commodities.

Recorder

The changes in the organization of the Recorder's Office, as outlined
in proposal to Mr. Thos. A. Brooks, Chief Administrative Officer, were
completed during the calendar year 1942.

The reclassification of three positions within the office has enabled
the Recorder to delegate responsibility in the various departments to
the men appointed, resulting in an increased service to the public,
without any increase in the expenses of the office.

During the calendar year, recording of marriage certificates has in-
creased 74 per cent, with a commensurate increase in the revenues
of this department.

The work of reproducing vital City and County records on micro-
film is proceeding in an orderly fashion. The complete indices of the
Recorder's office, together with subdivision maps and other miscel-
laneous records are now recorded on micro-film, and will be stored in

(77)

a fireproof, bombproof vault now under construction. The reproduc-
tion of these records will enable the Recorder to form a basis for
the establishment of ownership and possession of property by the use
of a title insurance company's plant should the original records be
destroyed.

Receipts for the calendar year total $117,274.95

Budget expenditures are 101,817.77

Registrar of Voters

The office of the Registrar of Voters functioned efficiently in its
work for 1942. In addition to the primary and general election, there
was one special election for Civilian Defense bonds, and the Retire-
ment System and Health Service elections.

The first task of the year was to fix new precinct boundaries for
the newly apportioned Assembly districts. New maps were printed
and the 342,731 valid affidavits of registration were reassorted to
their new precincts.

At the special bond election held June 9, 1942, 345,994 persons were
registered and 138,741 voted.

At the primary election held August 25, 1942, the registration in-
creased to 359,848. The total vote was 184,827.

For the general election held November 3, 1942, 367,352 were on the
register. The total vote was 230,129.

To handle the increased vote the office secured an option on 100
more voting machines. These were being sold by Los Angeles and
were obtained at a price less than one-quarter of the regular price.
It was an exceptional bargain.

The services of the office were given to the Civilian Defense. Sev-
eral thousand volunteers were registered by us. Some assistance was
given to the force segregating and filing the registration cards.

The larger part of our storeroom was taken over for the Civilian
Defense communications control center. Another large portion of the
registration room was taken over for the office of the Civilian Defense.
Some compensating space has been provided for us in the basement
corridor. This loss of space has been somewhat of a handicap in the
efficient conduct of the rooms affected, but must be endured as a part
of the general emergency.

We have lost five valuable men during the year, one through death,
one retired and three to the armed services. That constitutes one-
quarter of the force of regular employees, who, during the busier elec-
tion periods, have had to assume a great deal of directive respon-
sibility over the large force of temporary employees.

There has been increasing difficulty in securing competent men as
Inspectors of Elections. Only by applying to the banks of San Fran-
cisco was the office able to fill a hundred last minute vacancies. Pay
for this job should be increased.

Elections were without trouble, except for a few instances where
electors had not read their ballot instructions and had difficulty in
writing in certain candidate's names. Generally the work was handled
efficiently, speedily and accurately.

Public Administrator

The following data are gleaned from the report of the operations
of the Public Administrator's Office for the period from January 1 to
December 15, 1942. Number of estates wherein Public Administrator
took possession, 301; number of estates in which final accounts have
been settled and allowed, 289; Administrator's commissions collected
and paid into County Treasury, $31,884.80; attorney's fees collected and
paid into County Treasury, $31,864.80; sundry revenue collected and
paid into County Treasury, $546.64; total collections paid into County
Treasury, $64,276.24. Total cost of operation of office, $43,262.99; profit,
$21,013.25.

(78)

During the year the office handled more estates than during the
previous year. The profit from operating the office is likewise greater
than that shown last year.

Public Administrator Phil Katz says his office has been particularly
affected by the war. Regulations and restrictions in ever increasing
numbers, covering the property of alien deceased persons and distribu-
tive shares of alien heirs greatly augmented the work of the personnel
and placed additional responsibilities on all concerned.

Public Welfare Commission

The responsibilities of the Public Welfare Commission have in-
creased steadily since it was created by Charter Amendment in 1937.
This Commission, a policy forming and supervisory body, directs the
activities of the Public Welfare Department in administering assis-
tance to two distinct types of public assistance: (1) Indigent Aid, the
cost of which is borne wholly by the taxpayers of San Francisco, and
(2) aid to persons who are eligible to public assistance under the
Social Security Act; namely, Old Age Assistance, Aid to Needy Chil-
dren and Aid to Needy Blind. These three categories of aid are fi-
nanced jointly by the City and County of San Francisco, the State of
California and the Federal Government. During the year just passed
the San Francisco taxpayers participated to the extent of supplying
25 per cent of the funds for the Old Age Assistance program, 22 per
cent for Aid to Needy Children and 32 per cent of Blind Aid funds.

In addition to administering these aid programs, the Public Welfare
Commission has during the past year assumed still another respon-
sibility— that of administering the War Services and Assistance Pro-
gram. This consists of aid and services to civilians injured or in need
because of enemy action or war conditions. The cost of this program
is met entirely from Federal funds.

Twice a month the five members of the Commission meet to consider
the business of the Public Welfare Department and direct the dis-
bursement of its budget, which disbursements in the calendar year
just ended amounted to $7,418,000. The welfare of an average of
18,665 persons was dependent upon this Commission in 1942.

Every type of aid granted by the Public Welfare Department in 1942
was substantially less than in 1941. The total dropped from an aver-
age of 21,583 recipients per month to 18,665, a decrease of 13.5 per cent.
While this decrease can be attributed in a large measure to the gen-
eral increase in employment opportunities, the diligence and foresight
of the Commission in establishing its own Employment Division to
work in close cooperation with the United States Employment Service
has aided materially in reducing the rolls, and at the same time no
needy person has suffered the loss of assistance. The largest part of
this decrease, of course, has been in the Indigent Aid program. There
has also been a large decrease in the number of children receiving
Aid to Needy Children. Although there has been a drop in the num-
ber of aged and blind recipients, this decrease has been small as com-
pared with the decreases in the other two programs.

During the calendar year just ended the Public Welfare Department
authorized the disbursement of $6,892,700 to the needy aged, the needy
blind, the needy children and the indigents. The cost of administra-
tion was $525,400 or 7.1 per cent of the grand total of $7,418,000. Of
this grand total, the total cost from City and County tax funds for
the year was $3,027,000, as compared with $3,483,500 for the preceding
year, or a decrease of $456,500. The balance of the total cost was met
from Federal and State funds.

The following tabulated statement shows how the money disbursed
was divided among the types of recipients, the parts that were pro-
vided by Federal and State subventions, and the portion that was paid
from City and County tax funds:

(79)

DISBURSEMENTS OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT

CALENDAR YEAR 1942

AMOUNT OF AID GRANTED AND SOURCES OF FUNDS

Aver. Total Disbursements , Source of Funds {•

Recipients % of Federal State City and C\

Type of Aid Per Month Amount Total Amount % Amount % Amounts

Old Age Assistance.. 11,786 $5,219,100 70.4 $2,592,400 50 $1,302,600 25 $1,324,10(1

Aid to Needy Children 921 230,000 3.1 76,500 33 102,500 45 51,00(2

Aid to Needy Blind.. 517 295,000 4.0 107,300 36 94,100 32 93,60(1

Sub-total 13,224 $5,744,100 77.5 $2,776,200 48

Indigent Aid 5,441 1,116,800 15.0

Suppl. Aid to Needy

Children (149) 31,800 0.4

Sub-total 18,665 $6,892,700 92.9 $2,776,200 40

Administration 525,400 7.1 115,700 22

$1,499,200 26

$1,468,70(
1,116,80(

31,80*

$1,499,200 22

$2,617,30(
409,70)

Grand total 18,665 $7,418,100 100.0 $2,891,900 39 $1,499,200 20 $3,027,00d

Aid to Needy Aged. Over 70 per cent of all disbursements of the
Public Welfare Department for the year just ended were for the bene-
fit of our needy aged, yet for the first time since the inception of this
program, expenditures for this type of aid decreased. The cost of care
of the aged for the year just ended was $5,219,100 as compared with
$5,246,300 for the previous year— a decrease of $26,200. In November,
1942, 11,546 aged San Franciscans received assistance, as compared
with 11,960 during the same month last year. There has been a de-
cided down trend in this type of aid since February of 1942. This
down trend has resulted partly from greater employment opportunities
for aged persons and partly from increased incomes from other sources.

Aid to Needy Children. The Public Welfare Department administers
aid to only one class of needy children — half orphans whose fathers or
mothers are dead or have been declared presumptively dead by court
action. The other classes of needy children are granted assistance
through the Dependency Division of the Juvenile Court. For the
month of November, 1942, aid was extended to 284 cases, representing
696 children, as compared with 520 cases, or 1221 children in Novem-
ber, 1941. The total amount disbursed for Aid to Needy Children dur-
ing the calendar year just ended, including supplementary Aid to
Needy Children, was $261,800— a decrease of $114,300, or 30 per cent,
as compared with the amount disbursed the preceding year.

Aid to Needy Blind. The number of blind persons receiving assis-
tance through the Public Welfare Department in November, 1942, Was
509, as compared with 523 in November, 1941. The expenditures in the
Aid to Needy Blind program for the calendar year 1942 were $295,000,
as compared with $309,000 in the previous year.

Aid to Indigents. While employable persons, as well as unemploy-
ables, have been the responsibility of the Public Welfare Department
since July 1, 1941, when the State Legislature failed to appropriate
funds to continue State relief to the unemployed, it is gratifying to
note that out of a caseload of 2024 employable persons on the rolls
of the Public Welfare Department in November, 1941, there now re-
mains less than 100 such cases and these are persons who are tem-
porarily disabled, or handicapped persons who can only be fitted into
specialized jobs. The Employment Division of the Public Welfare De-
partment, working in cooperation with the United States Employment
Service, has done a splendid job, and I take pleasure in commending
the Public Welfare Commission on this constructive measure.

The cost of indigent aid for the year just end was $1,116,800, as
compared with $1,533,700 for the previous calendar year. During the
year just ended the average number of recipients of indigent aid, in-
cluding former S.R.A. employables, dropped to 5441 per month from 7729
per month during the calendar year 1941— a drop of almost 30 per cent.
This resulted in a saving to the taxpayers of the City and County of

(80)

$416,900 during the year. The number of indigent aid recipients as of
November 30, 1942, was 2749, as compared with 6873 recipients as of
November 30, 1941. This represents a decrease of 60 per cent.

The Federal Work Projects Administration, which has given work
to large numbers of San Franciscans in the past, will, it is noted, soon
discontinue operations. As of December 15, 1942, there were approxi-
mately 700 certified employees of the W.P.A. Of these, about one-third
were discontinued as of December 31, and the balance will be termi-
nated by February 15, 1943, at the latest. One year ago there were
some 5000 certified employees of the W.P.A. in San Francisco.

War Services and Assistance Program. During the calendar year
1942 war conditions were reflected in the operations of the Public
Welfare Department in the form of new duties and responsibilities.
The War Services and Assistance Program came into being; under this
program, Federal funds are administered by the Public Welfare Com-
mission in giving services and assistance to civilians injured or in
need as a result of enemy actions or governmental restrictive orders.

One of the first groups to come under this program during the year
was the enemy aliens and persons of Japanese descent who, because
of restrictive orders, found it necessary to move from certain areas
or to discontinue their normal occupations, such as fishing. In some
cases, also, women and children, dependents of interned enemy aliens,
became in need of assistance. At this same time, it became the re-
sponsibility of the Public Welfare Department to give services and
assistance to civilian evacuees from Hawaii and Alaska. This entailed
aid for needy persons upon their arrival in San Francisco, transpor-
tation to their destinations within the United States, and assistance
at their destinations until they became re-established and self-sup-
porting.

Federal funds also are available to civilians whose normal means
of support came from sources outside of the United States, such as
the Philippine Islands, and where, as a result of enemy action and the
consequent interruption of this income, the persons are in need.

The Public Welfare Department has during the past year, under the
War Services and Assistance Program, assisted civilian defense vol-
unteers who were injured in the performance of their official duties.
This assistance has been in the form of medical care and subsistence
needs of the civilian defense worker and his family during the period
of his injury and until he was able to return to his normal activities.

Federal funds are available through the Public Welfare Department
under this program for civilians in San Francisco needing assistance
as a result of enemy action by land, sea or air or as a result of the
evacuation from San Francisco of civilian populations under a gov-
ernment plan. I know that you all join me in hoping that it is
never necessary for assistance to be granted for these reasons.

Up until November 1, 1942, the administration of the War Services
and Assistance Program was through the direct issuance, upon the rec-
ommendation of the Public Welfare Department, of Federal warrants
or relief orders payable by the Federal Government. As of November
1, 1942, the program changed, and at present all assistance is granted
from City and County funds, with a subsequent reimbursement in full
from Federal funds.

The membership of the Public Welfare Commission during the cal-
endar year 1942 was comprised of the following: Mr. F. M. McAuliffe,
Chairman; Mr. Frank Y. McLaughlin, Mrs. Eugene M. Prince, Miss
Ruth A. Turner and Mr. Edward Vandeleur.

This Commission has been consistent in its policy of granting aid
to every person in San Francisco who is eligible to public assistance
within the shortest possible time. It has faithfully and generously
fulfilled its obligation to care for San Francisco's needy, and at the
same time has diligently and economically guarded the interests of
the taxpayers of the City and County, as is evidenced by a saving of
$1,134,300 in the budget allotted to it for the fiscal year ended June
30, 1942.

( 81 )

San Francisco-San Mateo Livestock Exposition
Buildings

No. 1-A District Agricultural Association, a State institution control-
ling the properties on the boundary line between San Francisco and
San Mateo counties, is marking time during the present emergency.

The Cow Palace, by which name this Grand National Livestock Ex-
position building is familiarly known, conducted a highly successful
show in the fall of 1941 and the Trustees are looking forward to great
utilization being made of the properties immediately upon the close
of hostilities.

The Board of Trustees must be selected from San Francisco and San
Mateo counties, and for all practical purposes the Livestock Exposition
is therefore locally controlled and operated.

Furthermore, the City and County of San Francisco has invested
$250,000 toward the cost of this project and San Mateo County has
made a contribution of $50,000. The City of San Francisco also made
a substantial contribution to the cost of putting on the first show.

The Cow Palace has done a great deal to create good-will between
the livestock interests of this western territory and the City and
County of San Francisco.

As Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco I am proud of
the part that I have had in sponsoring this development and believe
that its full utilization will mean much to this entire territory.

Municipal Court

In the Municipal Court, City and County of San Francisco, over a
period of 11 months, ending November 30, 1942, the 12 courts handled
9830 civil actions, 4364 small claims and 321,814 criminal proceedings.

Receipts in the Civil Department, $66,269.25; traffic fines, $433,290.02;
items other than traffic, $27,875.50; total, $527,434.77; expenditures,
$299,557.18; receipts in excess of expenditures, $227,877.59.

Official and pauper actions filed, for which no fees were collected,
269. Small claims— City and County, 1642; others, 17; total, 1659.

Public Defender

The Public Defender, Gerald J. Kenny, handled during the fiscal
year, ended June 30, 1942, 587 cases in the Superior Court; cases certi-
fied from Municipal Court, 217; received on information or Grand Jury
indictment, 338; pleas of guilty as charged, entered by defendants,
225; trials by jury, 41; trials, jury waived, 43; probation without jail
sentence, 58; probation with jail sentence, 37; probation denied, 123.
Felony cases held to answer, 386; certified to Superior Court, 217; re-
duced to misdemeanor, 16; dismissed, 335; private counsel, 110; pend-
ing, 5; County Jail sentence, 18; off calendar, 20; suspended sentences,
19; probation or turned over to probation officer, 53. Total number of
felony cases, 1179.

The Public Defender handled 84 misdemeanor cases; 83 cases in
Juvenile Court; participated in 22 insanity hearings; in 5 jury trials,
verdicts insane, 5.

During the fiscal year, 1975 appearances in the Municipal Court were
made; in Superior Court, 1746; in all courts, 3721; consultations with
defendants in County Jail and City Prison, 1241; indigent persons re-
ceiving advice in civil matters (not required by charter), 3185.

District Attorney

During 1942, this office participated in and conducted approximately
48,000 court hearings; issues 24,000 citations; conducted 21,600 cita-
tion hearings; was represented at all sessions of the Grand Jury dur-

(82)

ing the year, both regular and special, and collected and turned into
the City Treasurer's Office in bail money the total sum of $775,595.

Also, this office participated in all Coroner's inquests wherein sus-
picion of crime in connection with deaths was present, attended all
meetings of the Parole Board, all meetings of the Traffic Committee on
safety matters, met with groups of merchants and organizations inter-
ested in the various phases of the Unfair Practices Act and prepared
and gave instructions and lectures on the same to such groups for the
purpose of averting law violations and court prosecutions.

The total cost of conducting the office for the year was $119,860. I
am informed that this is lower than that of any other District Attor-
ney's office of comparable size in the United States.

Of the cases handled by the office of the District Attorney in 1942,
of the 48,000 court hearings, approximately 2200 were felony cases
that reached the Superior Court, and approximately 45,000 were mis-
demeanor cases disposed of in the Municipal Court; approximately 800
were crimes involving children, disposed of in the Juvenile Court.

Of the total number of approximately 24,000 citations issued, 8000
were issued by the Bureau of Domestic Relations of this office, dealing
with failure to provide for minor children, indigent wives and aged
parents and similar domestic cases; 1500 were issued by the Fraud
Bureau of this office, dealing with crimes of frauds, swindles and vio-
lations of the Corporate Securities Act, misleading advertising and
various other rackets; 14,000 were issued by the Warrant and Bond
Office dealing with miscellaneous offenses, felony and misdemeanor
alike, and with violations of city ordinances; 500 were issued by the
deputy in charge of the Juvenile Court work, relating particularly to
sex offenses and juvenile delinquencies. Hearings on citations were
approximately as follows: Bureau of Domestic Relations, 7000; Fraud
Bureau, 1200; Warrant and Bond Office, 13,000; Juvenile Depart-
ment, 400.

The Warrant and Bond Department, aside from the issuance of cita-
tions as above noted, prepared 85,000 complaints, and 30,000 warrants
were issued upon these complaints, and by telephone and personally
answered over 20,000 requests for advice and information.

The Food and Health Bureau of this office, which investigates and
prosecutes offenders under the pure food and drug act, the State Agri-
cultural Code and various city health ordinances, handled and dis-
posed of more than 150 cases during the year.

Out of 139 narcotic cases disposed of during the year, 128 were con-
victions. These figures pertain to proceedings in the Superior Court.

City Attorney

The calendar year 1942 was an important year in the office of the
City Attorney inasmuch as this office represented the many depart-
ments of the City and County of San Francisco in civil actions involv-
ing in excess of ten million dollars. Among the more important cases
handled by this office were United States of America v. 880 Acres of
Land (Treasure Island case), Transbay Construction Company v. City
and County of San Francisco, Regam v. King, and Williams Bros. &
Haas v. City and County of San Francisco.

Civil Actions. During the past year 209 civil actions were filed
against the City and County, and 52 civil actions were filed on behalf
of the City and County.

Of the aforementioned actions against the City and County 144 were
actions for personal injuries; 3 were against the San Francisco Unified
School District; 2 were quiet title actions; 2 were against the Retire-
ment Board; 21 were petitions for writs of mandate; 6 were for in-
junctions; 11 were suits for property damages; 4 were suits to recover
taxes, and 16 were miscellaneous actions.

(83)

Of the civil actions brought on behalf or the City and County, 42
were actions against responsible relatives under the Old Age Aid
Law; 3 were abatement of nuisance actions; 4 were condemnation pro-
ceedings, and 3 were miscellaneous actions.

Claims. An increase in the number of claims filed against the City
and County was again noted, as indicated by the records of the Con-
troller. Some 1150 claims were filed in the latter office. As in the
past, a large number of these claims were disposed of for minor
amounts after investigation by the City Attorney's Office. By com-
promising these claims, numerous court actions were thus averted,
saving the City and County many thousands of dollars.

Public Utilities Commission and Municipal Railway. Fifty-six cases
were tried on behalf of the Municipal Railway during the calendar
year; $450,000 was the amount sought in damages against the City
and County, and only the sum of $67,460 was recovered. This is the
lowest amount to be recovered against the City and County in recent
years.

In addition thereto, civil actions and claims totaling in excess of
$150,000 against the City and County in its proprietary capacity were
compromised for $13,250.

Board of Public Health. Three abatement of nuisance actions were
filed on behalf of the City and County of San Francisco and all re-
sulted in condemnation judgments for the City and County. Twelve
nuisances were abated without resort to civil action. The activities
of the City Attorney's Office, on behalf of the Board of Public Health,
assisted in further eliminating unsafe, insanitary and unhealthful con-
ditions in San Francisco. The City Attorney's Office was further rep-
resented at all meetings of the Board of Health.

Eminent Domain. Upon recommendation and direction of the Board
of Supervisors, some 75 parcels of land have been condemned within
the limits of the City and County. Other actions are pending involv-
ing many additional parcels of land.

Department of Public Works. Suits totalling in excess of $100,000
were filed against the City and County under the Public Liability Act
for dangerous and defective conditions of public streets, works and
property. All of said civil actions resulted in judgments for the de-
fendant, City and County of San Francisco. Some minor claims for
damages were settled for small amounts without trial, after due inves-
tigation had disclosed that said settlements were advisable.

Ordinances and Opinions. Among the more important ordinances
drawn by the City Attorney's Office for the Board of Supervisors dur-
ing the past year were: All ordinances relating to Civilian Defense,
such as the Fire Watchers Ordinance, Identification Tag Ordinance,
Dim-Out Ordinance, as well as closing of Golden Gate Park to motor
vehicle traffic at night time for the duration of the dim-out restric-
tion; an ordinance broadening the powers of the Police Department
for the control of prostitution and promiscuous fornication, tending
to spread venereal diseases among the armed forces; an ordinance
providing for the control of drifting sand in said City and County;
legislation relating to the Traffic Department, such as providing for
one-way streets, restricted parking, etc.

In addition, 106 major opinions were rendered to the various offices,
boards, commissions and departments of said City and County during
the year 1942.

Public Welfare Department. The City Attorney's Office was ex-
tremely active on behalf of the Public Welfare Department during the
past year, 1942. Forty-two suits against responsible relatives under
the Old Age Aid Law were filed by the City Attorney's Office on behalf
of the Public Welfare Department.

(84)

Hetch Hetchy and Water Department. In addition to studying and
approving over 162 leases for the Water Department, the City Attor-
ney's Office likewise settled numerous claims for the Water Depart-
ment and brought several civil actions on behalf of said department;
also, the office was active in attempting to have Section 6 of the
Raker Act amended, so that the city would not lose the revenue from
the power generated by the Hetch Hetchy System. In furthering the
request of the City and County, representatives of the City Attorney's
Office appeared before the Committee on Public Lands, House of Rep-
resentatives, as well as before other Federal departments and officials
in Washington.

This matter was satisfactorily settled by a contract with the De-
fense Plant Corporation for the sale of Hetch Hetchy power to cor-
porations engaged in defense industries; thus the City and County
will continue to receive revenue for the sale of its power.

Rate Department. The office was represented at all hearings of the
Railroad Commission during the calendar year 1942. An extensive
study was made on the cost of serving customers in the Bay area,
and the results of the survey were presented to the Railroad Com-
mission, which ordered the P. G. & E. to reduce the gas rates of the
City and County. By reason of the aforesaid, the total savings to the
consumers of San Francisco will be $297,100 annually. San Francisco
has the second lowest rate for domestic customers in the United States.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has the lowest rate. A newly discovered gas
field with an extensive reserve has been found at Rio Vista, Cali-
fornia. This field has ample supplies of natural gas to provide for
the metropolitan area for many years, and San Francisco is now re-
ceiving natural gas from this source.

From March to September, 1942, inclusive, formal and informal con-
ferences were held with the California Railroad Commission's staff
and city attorneys of various California cities, the result being that a
public utility may give a municipality reduced rates under certain
conditions.

In cooperation with the engineers of the Public Utilities Commis-
sion, a reproduction new less depreciation valuation of the Market
Street Railway was made for the purposes of purchasing the railway
by the city.

Prepared a brief forestalling an increase in fares on the California
Street Cable Railroad Company for over a year.

The Rate Department has represented the City Attorney on the Tele-
phone Franchise Committee of the California League of Municipalities,
as well as representing the City Attorney at technical conferences with
the staff of the California Railroad Commission having to do with the
welfare of the City and County.

Housing Authority

Marshall Dill, Chairman, Housing Authority of the City and County
of San Francisco, submits a statement which follows:

In addition to the three projects now in operation, namely, Holly
Courts, Potrero Terrace and Sunnydale, the Valencia Gardens Project
will open shortly after the first of the year, and the fifth project,
Westside Court, should be completed in March or April. Construction
on two temporary war housing projects has been started on Hunter's
Point. These projects will be owned by the Federal Government, but
will be constructed and operated by this Authority as agent. One of
them consists of dormitories for 500 single men, located within one
block of the boundaries of the Hunter's Point Navy Yard, and the
other for 500 war worker families, located on the approximate site
of the proposed Hunter's View low rent project which was delayed on
account of war conditions.

( 85 )

Land has been acquired and architectural drawings completed for
six permanent projects which have been shelved for construction after
the war.

The Commission of the Authority has held its regular meetings on
Thursday of each week during the year and has transacted all neces-
sary business for the construction and operation of the housing
projects.

During the past year the scarcity of materials and the government
control of priorities have made permanent construction slow and diffi-
cult, but with the immediate necessity of housing Navy Yard workers,
we may expect that the two temporary projects will be ready for occu-
pancy within the next three or four months.

In conformity with Federal policy, all of our projects have been
made primarily available to in-migrant defense workers and income
limits have been markedly increased to accommodate this new type of
tenancy. Holly Courts, Potrero Terrace and Sunnydale Projects have
no vacancies, except those created by normal tenant turnover, and
Valencia Gardens will be filled within a very short time after it is
opened.

Following is a summary of facts concerning each of the projects:

In Operation —

Dwelling Actual

Name of Project Area — Acres Units Development Cost

Holly Courts 2.68 118 $ 541,000

Potrero Terrace 17.16 469 1,900,000

Sunnydale 48.83 772 2,700,000

Under Construction —

Estimated
Development Cost

Valencia Gardens 4.96 246 $1,228,000

Westside Court 2.604 136 891,000

Temporary War Housing —

Cal. 4521 (Dormitories)... 7.920 500 578,000

Cal. 4522 (Dwelling Units) 27.09 500 1,628,000

Construction Deferred —

Bernal Dwellings 4.47 201 1,041,000

De Haro Plaza 4.822 132 777,000

Hunter's View 22.27 150 680,000

North Beach Place 4.602 226 1,270,000

Ping Yuen 2.617 232 1,517,000

Glen Crags 29.06 171 930,000

Early last year the Authority issued temporary one-year loan notes
for $8,500,000 which were purchased by a syndicate of private bankers.
The interest rate of 88/100 of 1 per cent indicates a sound financial
position. These notes will mature in the near future, and in order
to refinance our government loan a new issue of notes in the amount
of $8,719,000 will be issued in their stead.

During the year a contract was executed between the City and
County of San Francisco and the Housing Authority by which the
Housing Authority agreed to make payments in lieu of taxes. Author-
ization to increase these payments has been issued by the Federal Pub-
lic Housing Authority and the Commission will probably consider this
matter at an early date.

The Authority has not engaged in litigation of importance during
the past year except for those actions required in final clearances for
land titles.

Defense activities continue at all projects, with full participation
by both staff and tenants. All precautions have been taken to afford
a maximum amount of protection and organization has been carefully
maintained for prompt action in time of emergency.

( 86 )

BUDGET MESSAGE

O F

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO TH E

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

O F T H E

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

March Thirty-first
Nineteen Forty-three

Mayor's Budget Message

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, SAN FRANCISCO

March 31, 1943.
The Honorable
The Board of Supervisors
City Hall
San Francisco, California

Gentlemen:

This budget message is transmitted to you with the request that it be printed in
the calendar of the Board for April 5, 1943.

The Charter requires the Mayor to transmit the budget to the Board of Super-
visors not later than the first day of May.

This year it is possible for me to make my annual submission one full month in
advance of the time limit.

Just a word of explanation as to this :

A ten day period of convalescence following my recent hospitalization provided
an opportunity for uninterrupted consideration of the 1943-44 budget requests.
My Administrative Assistant, Mr. David Lewis, carried through promptly the tech-
nical task of giving effect to policy decisions arrived at. As a result, the Board will
have thirty full working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays — the
regular meeting day of the Board) between the date of receipt of the budget and
the deadline for adoption — May 21 — established by ordinance of the Board. Had
it not been possible for me to make this submission to you at this early date you
would have had only twelve working days at your disposal. The additional time
will make it possible for the Board of Supervisors to put forth truly constructive
efforts in planning the spending program for the ensuing fiscal year.

It is gratifying to me to be able to give the Board of Supervisors during this
critical period additional time for their consideration of the fiscal and budget prob-
lems of these trying days.

With this more or less personal preface disposed of I proceed now with a formal
outline of the documents I am submitting and a discussion of the financial program
incorporated therein.

As required by Section 72 of the Charter there have been transmitted to your
honorable Board today the following:

a. The consolidated 1943-44 estimates for all the departments and offices
of the City and County.

b. The proposed 1943-44 budget.

c. Detailed estimate of all 1943-44 revenues of each department.

d. An estimate of the 1943-44 requirements to meet bond interest and re-
demption and other fixed charges and revenues applicable thereto.

e. The draft of the 1943-44 annual appropriation ordinance as prepared by
the Controller.

Salaries:

The Board has adopted a schedule of compensations which will be effective July
1, 1943. No attempt has been made by me to give effect in the accompanying
budget to the provisions of that salary schedule. The wage or salary applicable to
each employment is dependent on the length of service of the employee ; the Civil
Service Commission is the only department which has such service records available.

The determination of the individual salaries and wages for 1943-44 becomes, there-
fore, the responsibility of the Civil Service Commission and in view of the fact that
the salary schedule has just been approved by the Board of Supervisors, it seemed
to me that considerable time would be saved and duplication of effort eliminated
if the Civil Service Commission would perform the task of salary revision of the
accompanying budget at the direct request of the Board of Supervisors rather than
doing the job once for the Mayor, and then re-checking the job later for the Board.

Employees on Military and War Leave:

The departmental requests as submitted to me, and which I am now transmitting
to you, do not reflect any uniform policy with relation to employees on military and
war leave and I believe it to be incumbent upon us to work out a formula which can
be applied uniformly.

It is my earnest recommendation to the Board, and one in which I feel confident
they will join, that provision be made in this budget for the protection of the posi-
tions and the salaries of the positions of the municipal employees — both men and
women — who are now serving with the armed forces, or who have been granted
leaves of absence in order to render service to essential war industries. I earnestly
solicit the cooperation of the Board of Supervisors, or of any duly designated com-
mittee of the Board, toward the end that well in advance of the deadline set by your
budget procedure ordinance for supplemental budget recommendations (your estab-
lished deadline is May 15) we may be able to work out with the department heads,
and with the Civil Service Commission, ample protection of positions and of salaries
for those who are protecting us and our democratic institutions on the battlefronts
of the world. This is a task which will require coordination of effort and whole-
hearted cooperation on the part of all concerned, and I earnestly recommend that
this phase of the budget problem be given your attention at the earliest possible
moment.

Increases Occasioned by Vote of the People:

Last November the voters approved a Charter amendment, which had your hearty
approval and my hearty approval, increasing the basic salaries of the uniformed
personnel of the Police Department and the Fire Department. A recapitulation of
these increases would indicate that the added salary cost in the Police Department
will be $374,442.00, and in the Fire Department $322,801.00 — or a total of
$697,243.00.

Another permanent expense was added, by vote of the people at the November
election, when they approved the proposition of the City taking over the Under-
writers' Fire Patrol. The cost of personnel for 1943-44 will be $76,140.00 if the
present personnel of 12 men and 7 officers is retained and if provision is made for
7 men now on military leave. If sufficient personnel were added to establish this
service on the same basis as present fire companies, the annual cost would be
$108,685.00.

Women's Court:

Included in the budget estimates is one completely new service of government
which has been officially designated as "Women's Court for Sex Offenders." This
was inaugurated during the current fiscal year by emergency appropriation in order
to cope with the problem of venereal disease. The value of this new service has been
demonstrated; this is an additional function of government which these trying
times has rendered essentially imperative. I am confident that the same reasoning
which impelled the Board to concur in my recommendation for financing this service
through the medium of an emergency appropriation during the year will cause the
Board to approve the provision made in the 1943-44 budget.

City Planning Commission:

The budget request of this department has been approved by me without change.

Real progress is being made by the City Planning Commission in connection with

current problems and the Commission is facing realistically the matter of post-war

planning. It is my hope that the Board will find it possible to concur in my approval
of the Commission's program as reflected in their budget request.

Increase in Cost of Foodstuffs:

In the budget of those departments requiring purchase of foodstuffs there has
been an unavoidable increase due to the fact that there has been a tremendous in-
crease in the cost thereof, a situation with which each person in our country is
thoroughly familiar. A municipal corporation must meet the problem of increased
cost just as every citizen must meet it — by spending more money for the acquisition
of foodstuffs.

Sewers:

In the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works $638,000.00
was requested for sewer replacements and reconstruction.

It is my belief that the entire sewer problem of San Francisco must be approached
along the lines of a letter which I addressed to Supervisor MacPhee, Chairman of
the Finance Committee, under date of February 18, 1943, copy of which is attached
hereto.

May I urge that the "Sewer Rental Program" be given priority in your deliber-
ations in order that such a program may be made effective by July 1, 1943- Here
again we have a problem where the legislative branch of government, and the ad-
ministrative branch of government, and the executive branch of government should
work jointly and in a coordinated fashion. Once again may I point out the early
submission of the budget to your honorable Board makes possible concerted action
on such a problem without risking last minute delays. Because I believe a program
of this character can be worked out and should be worked out, I have deleted the
$638,000.00 item from the budget of the Engineering Division of the Department of
Public Works. I earnestly appeal to the Board to indicate the manner and method
by which this office can best cooperate with the Board in order that our responsibili-
ties for providing a better sewer system may be discharged.

Repayment of Relief Loan Number One to the
State of California:

During the depression years a loan was granted to the City and County by the
State for unemployment relief purposes. For the past several years we have been
repaying this loan in annual installments.

Because of difficulties in obtaining materials it will not be possible to continue the
usual program of street improvements, and the Chief Administrative Officer has
recommended, and I have approved, inclusion in the Special Road Improvement
Fund of an item of $474,969-00 to repay Loan Number One in full. By doing this
we will save interest on the balance at the rate of 4l/$%.

Emergency Reserve Fund:

It is my unqualified recommendation to the Board that the full amount allowable
under the Charter as requested by me be appropriated to the Emergency Reserve
Fund. It is important that the requested amount be left intact in order to guarantee
the uninterrupted operation of the City departments in the event of unforeseen
emergencies — the extent of which no man can foretell, fifteen months in advance,
during these uncertain times.

Financing of War-Caused Activities:

The San Francisco Civilian War Council approved during February the budget
submitted by the Director of Civilian Defense covering the estimated needs of both
the protective services and the war services for the 1943-44 fiscal year. It is proper
for me to point to the Board that the president of the Board of Supervisors, the
Controller, and I, myself, as Mayor, did not vote on the budgets of the several di-

visions of the two services. Each one of us recognized that, in our individual ca-
pacities as public officials, we would have to, at a later date, pass judgment on those
budgets as part of the over-all budget problem of the City and County. However,
I am transmitting the budget approved by the War Council to the Board of Super-
visors without having made any changes therein for the reason that here too we
have a problem which we must meet by joint consideration and action. Even though
these budgets were approved only last month several new problems have arisen
and new needs have been brought to light. It is inevitable that the budget of the
war-caused activities will be the subject of supplementary recommendations by me
within the deadline established by your budget procedure ordinance, because the
budgets as submitted for war-caused activities are not complete insofar as require-
ments for civilian defense are concerned.

As an example, the Board of Fire Commissioners requested an appropriation to
continue certain of the civilian defense activities of the department; this particular
request has been tentatively deleted from the budget for the reason that the re-
sponsibility for policy determination with respect to this matter appears to me to
be a responsibility which must be shared jointly by the Board of Supervisors, the
Civilian War Council and the Mayor. During the current year it has been impos-
sible to obtain a sufficient number of firemen on a temporary basis to meet the staff
requirements. The Fire Commission requests an increased number of permanent
employment. I feel it is only fair that the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor,
jointly, accept responsibility for a policy decision and a determination as to what
funds should be provided therefor during the coming fiscal year. Your suggestions
as to how we may best coordinate our endeavors in this regard are solicited.

Matters Subject to Later Determination:

There is reasonable ground for the belief that the Legislature will terminate its
session early in the month of May. Until the session has concluded there is no way
to know what changes in the budget and fiscal structure of the City and County of
San Francisco may be made by actions of the Legislature.

We do know that any mandatory items — if any there should be — can be cared for
at the time of the tax levy in September. However, if the Legislature does adjourn
early in May proper provision could be made for such mandatory items prior to the
adoption of the budget by the Board of Supervisors.

Another matter which, in my judgment, will undoubtedly call for revision of a
portion of the Public Utilities budget will be the acquisition of the Market Street
Railway. It is my considered opinion that the people of San Francisco will approve
the revenue bond measure at the election of April 20, and in that event it will be
necessary, immediately thereafter, for supplemental budget recommendations orig-
inating with the Public Utilities Commission, and approved by me, to be placed
promptly in the hands of the Board.

Budget Procedure Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors:

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and commend the Board of
Supervisors, and particularly the Finance Committee of the Board of Supervisors,
for having adopted Bill No. 1925 Ordinance No. 1847, which was finally passed
by the Board on November 9, 1942. This establishes orderly procedure in con-
nection with budget matters and, more important than that — if it can be truthfully
said that anything is more important than orderly procedure — is the fact that
definite deadline dates have been established through the medium of that ordi-
nance. I am in hearty accord with the purposes and the principles of that ordinance,
and I pledge to the Board now my whole-hearted cooperation particularly with
respect to the deadline established by the Board in connection with supplemental
budget requests. Your ordinance definitely states that the Board will not consider
any requests to increase any amount or add any new item for personal services, or
materials, supplies or contractual services for any department or office in the pro-
posed budget unless such requests are received by the Board prior to the 15th day
of May.

General Comments:

I have commented at some length on the several matters to which the Board
and the Mayor must give joint consideration, but the fact that there are such mat-
ters left "open" should not be regarded as an indication that I have failed to give
consideration to them, nor that I have not taken drastic action with respect to
many, many other items in this budget.

There were many proposals of a meritorious nature recommended by department
heads which I have deleted because, in my judgment, they should be deferred in
order to lighten as far as possible the tax burden.

The Federal government has suggested that usage of essential materials be re-
stricted, and that acquisition of new equipment of any kind be kept at a minimum.
The revisions which I have made in departmental requests, insofar as capital im-
provements and equipment are concerned, are in accord with Federal policy.

The Charter requires me to submit a comparison with the previous budget. This
I have done and your attention is directed to the detailed tabulation which accom-
panies this message. However, you will recognize, as I do, that this comparative
showing will be changed when the salary schedule adopted by the Board is re-
flected in the final figures.

Conclusion:

As Mayor of San Francisco I have submitted twelve annual budgets to the Board
of Supervisors.

Viewed in the light of experience gained in those dozen years, I venture the
opinion that the budget which I am transmitting today provides the basis for a
sound financial program. With the aid of the Administrative Assistant to the
Mayor, Mr. David Lewis, it has been possible for me to keep abreast month by
month of departmental needs to a far greater extent than ever before, with the result
that this year the Board will have more time at its disposal for a consideration of
budget problems.

This year to a greater degree than ever before it is essentially imperative that
the budget when finally adopted will be the very best budget that all of us, working
together in harmonious cooperation, can possibly produce. Certain of the municipal
revenues, from other than tax sources, will be materially less in the ensuing fiscal
year than in the current fiscal year. There is no particular need for me to go into
detail on this subject; each member of the Board recognizes that such revenue
sources as traffic fines, building permits, local share in gas tax revenues, and many
other items are showing, and will continue to show, a downward trend. Every
resident of San Francisco is paying more today to his State government, and to the
Federal government, than he has ever paid before.

In your budget deliberations you may depend on the collaborative assistance of
Mr. David Lewis, and I shall hold myself in readiness to extend every possible
cooperation in whatever manner or method your judgment will indicate as best
suited to your needs.

The Controller has assured me that the Budget Division of his office will, as
always, extend every possible cooperation to the Board.

It is my earnest hope that through our joint efforts we will be able to produce
a budget which will provide for all of the essential services of government based
on sound financing and at the same time require a lessened contribution from tax-
payers than the 1942-43 budget.

Yours very truly,

Mayor
DL-VF

Annual Message

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm OF — — — — ■■— ■-■

HONORABLE ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor

TO THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OF THE
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

January Three
Nineteen Forty-Four

Printed by

Recorder-Sunset Press

99 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco

Mayor's Annual Message

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
San Francisco

January 3, 1944.
To the Honorable
The Board of Supervisors
City and County of San Francisco.
Gentlemen:

The final sentence in the first paragraph of Section 25 of the Charter
reads as follows:

"He (the Mayor) shall, at the first meeting of the Board of
Supervisors in January of each year, communicate by message
to the Supervisors a general statement of the condition of the
affairs of the city and county, and recommend the adoption of
such measures as he may deem expedient and proper."

In my judgment it would be neither proper nor expedient for me,
now, to recommend the adoption of any measures.

With propriety I believe I may make a general statement of the con-
dition of the affairs of the City and County as they are today, and —
with equal propriety — contrast the present-day condition with the con-
ditions as they existed at the start of my administration thirteen years
ago.

Few men in the city's history have had the varied experience that I
have had in the past quarter of a century. Service as a Commissioner,
as Foreman of the Grand Jury, as a Supervisor, and as Mayor qualify
me to speak on municipal affairs.

Only one other person, the late James Rolph, Jr., served longer as
the city's Chief Executive.

Not one of the thirty-two men who preceded me as Mayor of San
Francisco served during such a period of stress, of crisis, and of urgent
need as have been the daily lot of public officials everywhere during
the past dozen years.

Every thinking adult knows what we have all had to face and en-
dure and struggle through since 1931: World-wide economic upheaval,
and the most destructive depression in this nation's history; world-
wide industrial strife and unemployment; world-wide labor unrest;
and, finally, world-wide warfare, with dislocations reaching into the
daily, intimate, personal life of every man, every woman, every child
in the civilized world.

Each year found the problems changing, and the plans and the poli-
cies of one year were found to be of little avail the next year.

Not one of the thirty-two men who preceded me as Mayor in San
Francisco's ninety-seven years as an American city had to contend with
so many problems of such magnitude.

Now that I am about to lay aside my responsibilities as Mayor, I
think I am justified in submitting a statement as to how I discharged
my duties.

Let me begin by discussing the Charter. The present Charter became
effective on January 8, 1932, twelve years ago. Since that date — and
this may surprise even you gentlemen of the legislative branch of gov-
ernment— NINETY-FOUR Charter amendments have been submitted to
the people for their consideration. FIFTY-FIVE of the ninety-four
submitted were approved by the voters. In other words, 58 per cent of
the proposals met with public approval. The various Boards of Super-
visors are to be commended for their willingness to recognize that the
Charter was not a perfect document, as well as for their realistic recog-

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nition that the times through which we were passing created special
problems which called for specialized legislation.

The present Charter came into being primarily because of defects in
the Charter which it replaced. The 1900 Charter had not provided,
among other things, specific checks, and balances, and controls, and as a
result public finances had become sadly muddled.

A reading of the Charter shows that although under it the Mayor
has tremendous additional responsibilities, including the review and
submission of the annual budget, as compared to former Charters, yet
its limitations of authority on the Mayor are such that the check, bal-
ance and- control system, though fundamentally sound, is, on matters
of public policy, at times unwieldy.

That there always have been and always will be differences between
the legislative, administrative and executive branches of local govern-
ment is frankly admitted. Such differences are inevitable in a democ-
racy. However, it must be recognized that there are times when those
differences are political in origin. To refer to the Charter of 1932 as
a "Strong Mayor Type of Charter" is a misnomer. If the phrase is
intended to mean that the Mayor has unlimited or even unusual powers,
it is in conflict with the facts.

In truth, the Charter confers "Strong Mayor" powers on the Chief
Executive only under the emergency clause of Section 25, which reads
as follows:

"In case of a public emergency involving or threatening the
lives, property or welfare of the citizens, or the property of the
city and county, the Mayor shall have the power, and it shall
be his duty, to summon, organize and direct the forces of any
department in the city and county in any needed service; to
summon, marshal, deputize or otherwise employ other persons,
or to do whatever else he may deem necessary for the purpose
of meeting the emergency."

The present Charter was approved by vote of the people on March
26, 1931. I had been appointed to the Office of Mayor in January of
1931 when James Rolph, Jr., resigned to become the Governor of Cali-
fornia.

Almost my first responsibility, following the adoption of the present
Charter, was to determine what the fiscal position of the city actually
was. Here was the picture, as finally developed: On July 1, 1931,
the municipal deficit was practically a million and a half dollars
($1,444,750); the deficit in the General Fund alone was $842,333.

Bear in mind that the Charter which was to become effective on
January 8, 1932, provided that governmental operations must be on a
cash basis.

Let me make clear, at this point, that I am not claiming that I, as
Mayor, alone and unaided, solved that problem, but let me make it
equally clear that the problem was solved. Let me point out that at the
start of the current fiscal year, July 1, 1943, in place of a deficit of a
million and a half, we have a Cash Reserve Fund balance of three and
a half million dollars ($3,643,627). I repeat — I make no claim for
exclusive personal credit for this accomplishment; I do claim that the
elimination of this deficit and the creation of this surplus during the
thirteen years in which this occurred is evidence of sound municipal
management.

On the other hand, you recognize, as I do, that it would not have
been possible to transform a deficit of a million and a half into a sur-
plus of three and a half million dollars if I had not enjoyed — and en-
deavored to deserve — the wholehearted cooperation of most of my fel-
low public officials during the past thirteen years.

The Charter was written in 1930, presented to the people in 1931, and
became effective in 1932. By that time the depression was entering Its
most desperate era. It is interesting, now, to note that the Charter
made no specific provision for any department of municipal govern-

(4 )

meiit to care for the problems which the depression was creating. Quite
naturally, because in 1930 the general opinion seemed to be that the
privately operated charitable agencies could adequately meet the added
depression-born problems. Of course, this was proven wrong, and pre-
sently Municipal Government had to take over the burden, and then it
grew too great for the municipality, and the State came into the pic-
ture, and ultimately in 1933 the Federal Government assumed a share
of the burden.

From the 1st of July, 1931, to the 30th of June, 1943, the cost of
humanitarian activities to the taxpayers of San Francisco — that is to
say, moneys raised by taxation of property in San Francisco — was
seventy million dollars ($70,741,853.90). In addition to this, the State
and the Federal Governments granted us $34,388,576.19; local bond is-
sues provided nine million dollars, and the employees of the City and
County of San Francisco made voluntary contributions from their sal-
aries of a million and a half. In all, there was expended $111,609,283.26.
We had to borrow over $2,000,000 from the State of California (of
which amount we still owe a little more than a half million dollars) ;
we still have to redeem four and a half million dollars worth of bonds
authorized in the first three years of the depression, and, of course, we
must also pay the interest on those bonds.

Let me repeat, for the sake of emphasis, that San Francisco tax-
payers provided $70,741,853.90 directly during the thirteen-year period
covered by this report.

Included under this general title of "Humanitarian Activities" are
expenditures for relief of the needy and unemployed, the poor in insti-
tutions, care of children, hospitals, insane in hospitals, relief of the
needy aged, relief of the needy blind, aid to dependent children, the
general administration of the foregoing, the burial of the indigent dead,
the county jails, the juvenile court and detention home, the Adult Pro-
bation Board, and the generally related activities.

This great expenditure of tax funds for these purposes is, of course,
unprecedented in the history of our city. It is interesting to think of
the tremendous public improvement program we could have completed
had these moneys been available for such improvements instead of hav-
ing been used for these unexpected though all-important humanitarian
activities brought about by the depression.

Bond Issues and the Cost of the Bond Issue Method of Financing
Municipal Projects.

Before discussing the bonded debt of the city, I want to mention the
interest payments on the debt. From July 1, 1931, to November 30,
1943, we have paid interest on public service enterprise bond issues in
the amount of $48,757,172.29 and on general City and County obliga-
tions of $26,520,482.22, or a total of over SEVENTY-FIVE MILLION
DOLLARS ($75,277,654.71).

Now, as to the bonded debt itself: First, let me deal in grand total
figures for the purpose of comparison. The outstanding bonded debt of
San Francisco on January 8, 1932, was $152,372,300; the outstanding
bonded debt on January 8, 1943, was $121,966,100; thus— there has been
a net reduction in bonded debt of $30,406,200. That net reduction
figure, however, does not tell the whole story. During the same period
bonds were sold to the extent of $52,958,000, so that the actual debt
retirement was $83,364,000. Add to that figure the sum quoted in the
preceding paragraph as paid for interest and you have a total paid out
in a dozen years of $158,641,854 for bond interest and redemption.

The present bonded debt is:

For Public Service Enterprises $ 89,849,000

General City and County 32,117,000

$121,966,000
(5)

Insofar as the bonded debt and the interest costs for the public ser-
vice enterprises are concerned, I want to make several observations:
Municipal Railway bonds have been issued in the

amount of $5,481,000

Municipal Railway bonds have been redeemed in the

amount of 4,581,000

Municipal Railway bonds are now outstanding in the

amount of 900,000

This has been accomplished on a five-cent fare which has oeen main-
tained for the past ten years without tax subsidy. In addition,
$5,131,660 in Municipal Railway improvements have been made out of
earnings on that same five-cent fare. The presently existing cash sur-
plus available in the Municipal Railway fund for extensions, equip-
ment and betterments, as soon as Federal restrictions on materials are
lifted, is $2,815,845. In addition to the above, the maintenance of the
five-cent fare has represented a saving of millions of dollars to the
car-riding public.

San Francisco Water Department bonds have been

issued in the amount of $53,095,000

San Francisco Water Department bonds have been

redeemed in the amount of 20,471,000

San Francisco Water Department bonds are now out-
standing in the amount of 32,624,000

In addition to this, the San Francisco Water Department, under
public ownership, has made five water rate reductions with an aggre-
gate saving to consumers of $10,333,657 while at the same timo making
extensions and improvements out of earnings in the amount of

$6,258,246.

Observations on credit rating of San Francisco:

The interest rate on bonds sold in 1931 was 4V2 per cent.

The interest rate on the last bonds sold in 1942 ranged from

V2 of 1 per cent to 2 per cent.
The tax delinquency rate as of June 30, 1931, was 1.64 per cent.
The tax delinquency rate as of June 30, 1943, was .769 per cent.

Even at the depth of the depression, 1933, our tax delinquency was
only 5.37 per cent whereas in other major cities the delinquency went
as high as 50 per cent.

I make these observations solely and only for the purpose of estab-
lishing the fact that the fiscal affairs of the City and County of San
Francisco are in sound condition.

Major Additions to Property.

For me to list here the public improvements carried through to com-
pletion during my administration would be to risk the accusation that
I am endeavoring to transform my final report into a campaign docu-
ment. Such is not my intention, but I am under direction, by virtue
of the provisions of Section 25, to report to you on the condition of
affairs of the City and County, and the report would not be complete
unless mention were made of the major additions to our plant.

Construction of a new junior college and twenty-two other school
buildings at a cost of fourteen millions of dollars cannot pass without
a word. Neither can the expansion in parks, playgrounds and recrea-
tion centers of over four million dollars; and a street and highway im-
provement program of twenty-two million dollars; to say but little of
the increased hospital facilities, our new zoological gardens, one of the
best and busiest airports in America, Union Square Garage, the addi-
tions and improvements to Laguna Honda Home, and the new libraries
which have been constructed. Additions to property have been com-
pleted to a total of $111,000,000.

Let there be no misunderstanding about this subject, generally. Be-

( 6)

ginning with 1933 and continuing until 1941 the Federal Government,
through the Public Works Administration, made liberal grants to mu-
nicipal governments which were in a position to finance their part of
a program of public works. San Francisco was able to do this. Fur-
ther, of course, the Works Progress Administration of the Federal Gov-
ernment carried through to successful conclusion "make-work" pro-
grams which provided improvements of a permanent nature for San
Francisco, and which our children, and our children's children, will
enjoy.

Great things have been accomplished for San Francisco during the
past thirteen years despite the fact that they were years of stress, of
crisis and of urgent need. During all these years, despite our obstacles,
we have maintained the lowest tax rate and have enjoyed the lowest
tax delinquency of any city of comparable size in the country. While I
claim no personal credit for these things, it is a matter of satisfaction
to me that I am turning over to my successor not a run-down plant
with a bankrupt treasury, but a going business in good operating condi-
tion and with a surplus of capital.

The Merit System.

The present Charter, as originally written, provided certain correc-
tions in connection with Civil Service. Since the adoption of the
Charter the voters extended Civil Service to take in certain divisions
of government which were excluded from the merit system in the
Charter as originally written. Today the employees of the Park, the
Airport, the two Museums, and the Libraries, and the institutional
workers in the Health Department have the protection of Civil Ser-
vice, and the freedom from political pressure that the spoils system
might permit. I claim no credit for these accomplishments, but I am
glad indeed that the merit system was thus extended during my admin-
istration. The merit system makes for better service governmentally.
Every growing American city has continuing problems. Our ordi-
nary problems have become increasingly aggravated since the advent of
the war. A tremendous increase in population, the greatest concentra-
tion of military activity in the history of the Pacific Area, the Federal
restrictions on materials, equipment and supplies — these and innumer-
able other facts have created conditions unique, not only in San Fran-
cisco, but in our entire country-
Let's discuss some of these problems, not for the purpose of starting
a controversy, but just for the record.

Transportation.

San Francisco's always difficult transportation problem was recog-
nized even before the advent of the Rolph administration in 1912 when
the then Board of Supervisors in August, 1911, approved the employ-
ment of Bion J. Arnold, an eminent transportation and traffic engineer
of Chicago, to make a study of the transportation facilities of San Fran-
cisco, and to make recommendations thereon.

Mr. Arnold filed his report on March 31, 1913 — a report which cost,
I am informed, some $50,000. That report is still available at the
Public Library.

Mr. Arnold made many recommendations; to my mind the most im-
portant being unification of all streetcar systems.

From time to time the duly elected officials of the city have sub-
mitted to the electorate proposals designed to unify our transportation
systems. All these were voted down.

In 1942, we had an opportunity to remove most of our difficulties by
acquiring, out of earnings and without effect on our tax rate, the prop-
erties of the Market Street Railway Company.

After extensive negotiations which commenced in 1940 this plan was
submitted to your honorable Board by the Public Utilities Commission,
with my approval, in May, 1942. The basic price finally agreed upon

(7)

was $8,350,000, which was to have been paid over a period not to exceed
seven years, but which could have been paid as early as funds were
available. In addition to the regular annual payments, interest was
to have been paid at the rate of 3.56 per cent on the reducing balance,
and besides certain other expenses such as insurance, taxes, etc., were
to have been paid by the city. These items increased the total pay-
ments to be made on account of the purchase to $11,534,415, based on
a period of seven years for full payment.

However, the revenues of the combined companies from July 1, 1942,
to December 31, 1943, based on a seven-cent fare, as proposed, would
have been sufficient to have purchased these properties over a period
of twenty-one months, during which time the people would have enjoyed
the benefits of unification. Figures submitted to me by the Manager
of Utilities, a copy of which is attached, show that the combined opera-
tions of the Municipal Railway and the Market Street Railway to De-
cember 31, 1943, on the foregoing basis, would have resulted in a net
profit of $8,158,049 available for reconstruction, replacement, or pay-
ment on debt. This is after deducting all operating expenses, including
bond interest and redemption, and the entire sum could have been ap-
plied to the purchase of the Market Street Railway properties. Calcu-
lating the interest payable on a period of two years instead of seven
years, and calculating the other expenses such as insurance, taxes, etc.,
on a two-year basis likewise, the total to be paid on the purchase would
have amounted to $9,365,890 on a two-year basis. After deducting the
amount that would have been available on the above basis during the
past eighteen months of $8,158,049, there would have been a balance
of only $1,207,841 due and payable to date, and this could have been
paid off within the next three months at that rate of profit.

Let us check to see just what has happened since the original lease-
purchase out of earnings proposal was rejected. Two bond issues for
the purchase of the Market Street Railway properties were submitted
to the electorate. Both were voted down. It is most difficult for the
city to properly inform all the voters of the merits of a bond proposal
because public funds cannot be used for such purposes. Be these facts
as they may, it is incontrovertible that all these proposals had the
same ultimate purposes in mind — namely, a solution to our transpor-
tation problem by unifying the existing systems under one manage-
ment, one fare, uniform wage and a universal transfer. Since these
proposals have been defeated, it is regrettable to note that the Federal
Government has stepped into the picture to attempt a solution. It
should be of more than passing interest to note that the recommenda-
tions of the O.D.T. recognize the same fundamentals as necessary to
even a partial, and admittedly less complete, solution to the problem.
Enforced pooling and flexible use of existing facilities, elimination of
competing lines — both efforts at unification under a dual instead of
unified management, under a dual instead of a single wage structure,
enforced equalization of traffic load through increased fare to Municipal
Railway patrons, and reduction to private company's passengers, when
all profits could have been used for acquisition of the private system
by the city; universal transfer privileges which my administration has
been advocating for years; these and many other points prove that the
Federal Government is to attempt to do by Federal order that which
teamwork and cooperation could have accomplished in 1942.

According to Mr. Bion J. Arnold's report in 1913, the answer was
then, and the answer is now, unification, with one management, one
fare, one wage structure, the universal transfer, with all these operat-
ing for the benefit of the city and not a private corporation.

San Francisco Airport — (Treasure Island).

The site of our Golden Gate International Exposition, Treasure
Island, became of strategic importance to the United States Navy upon
declaration of war against the Axis powers. On April 17, 1942, the

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Federal Government filed a declaration of intention to take title to this
property under eminent domain proceedings, for use by the Navy.

The Federal Government at the same time deposited $44,881 in this
proceeding, alleging that this sum represented the total monetary in-
terest of the City and County of San Francisco in Treasure Island.
Extended negotiations followed and in May of this year I visited Wash-
ington in an endeavor to end the Treasure Island controversy and
secure greatly needed improvements for San Francisco Airport. Mr.
Leland W. Cutler, president of the 1939 Golden Gate International Ex-
position, having been delegated an official representative of the city
by the Public Utilities Commission, had preceded me and had arranged
conferences with the House and Senate Naval Affairs Committees. Mr.
Cutler participated in all the conferences. I can best sum up the
results of those meetings by quoting from Mr. Cutler's report to the
Commission of June 18, 1943:

"Mayor Rossi's trip, in my opinion, brought about the pos-
sibility of obtaining $6,000,000 to $8,000,000, and such a sum
would not have been considered without the Mayor's presence
in Washington and the opportunity afforded by the Naval
Affairs Committee for a presentation of San Francisco's case."

I am happy to advise that there has just come before me a proffered
agreement of the United States Government to expend this sum of
money in improving the San Francisco Airport, and a stipulation on
the part of the Government that these improvements shall belong to
the city upon the cessation of hostilities or when the Secretary of the
Navy so states in writing.

I trust that this agreement will be executed as soon as possible. But
I likewise trust that Mayor Lapham, with the aid of the Public Utilities
Commission and the Board of Supervisors, may find a way of securing
from the Government a similar stipulation with respect to Treasure
Island so that when the Navy has no further use for it that Island
may be an airport for San Francisco as originally intended. No single
airport can serve all the needs of any large metropolitan area. San
Francisco needs Treasure Island as well as Mills Field and will need
other airports when suitable sites can be found and developed. In
securing such a stipulation we would be fulfilling our obligation to the
State of California which deeded the shoals to us for airport purposes,
to our citizens who have the right to expect an airport, and to our
National Government which allotted W.P.A. and P.W.A. funds for that
specific purpose. All of this is summed up by Secretary of the Navy
Knox in his letter to me of December 3, 1940:

"Confirming the statements made in conferences between
yourself and representatives of the Department, it is under-
stood that the temporary occupation of parts of Treasure Island
by the Navy will be without prejudice to the ultimate develop-
ment of the Island as a municipal airport and further that the
Navy will use its good offices to obtain Federal assistance for
the immediate development of such parts of the Airport project
as can be undertaken without mutual interference between
the Navy and the Airport development. The Navy Depart-
ment is prepared to certify that the ultimate development of
Treasure Island as a municipal airport is a project of im-
portance to the National Defense."

I commend to Mayor Lapham an earnest exploration of this matter.
Juvenile Delinquency.

In my last message I reported on the steps being taken to combat
juvenile delinquency. This problem, which increased as a result of the
war, has continued to be aggravated during the past year by the con-
tinuing influx of juveniles from other states and cities.

Despite the handicap caused by the loss of experienced personnel to

(9)

the armed forces and war industries, all municipal agencies concerned
with the problem of juvenile delinquency have worked unceasingly
and with a marked degree of success to keep ahead of this problem,
and they are to be commended on their enlightened programs, which
have been recognized throughout the country as outstanding.

All appropriations requested by these departments in developing their
programs have been approved by me and adopted by your honorable
Board.

Women's Court for Sex Offenders.

In my report of last year I mentioned that a separate Women's Court
for sex offenders had been established, with a centralized headquarters
in which would be coordinated the activities of the Police Department,
Health Department, District Attorney and Adult Probation Depart-
ment. The Honorable Clarence W. Morris was appointed Judge of this
Court and has continued there during 1943.

Now that sufficient experience has been had to evaluate the efficacy
of this new venture, all departments concerned are emphatic in their
approval and in their belief that it should be continued, and its activi-
ties expanded. Chief of Police Charles W. Dullea states that with the
establishment of the separate Women's Court San Francisco made one
of its most valuable contributions toward the war effort.

Dr. J. C. Geiger, Director of Public Health, states that the separate
Women's Court has, in his opinion, served a very useful social function
in handling a problem that was seriously endangering an adequate
venereal disease control program in the City and County of San Fran-
cisco.

This method of procedure has won the unqualified approval of the
Federal Security Agency of the United States.

Housing.

Since the Pearl Harbor incident, the great influx of war workers and
the families of those in the armed forces who are assigned to this area
has, as we all know, created a very definite housing shortage.

At the outset we should bear in mind the fact that the lack of hous-
ing facilities is not peculiar to San Francisco. This is not only a na-
tion-wide but a world-wide problem born of the war. Prior to the com-
mencement of hostilities our population was 635,000. Since that time
it has been variously estimated as being from 750,000 to 850,000. As
the theater of major operations in the war changes toward the Pacific
Area, we can anticipate a greater increase.

My information causes me to conclude that there is not a major city
in the country that has provided either a permanent or even a tempo-
rary solution to this problem. Federal restrictions make it impossible
to obtain materials and supplies. We can build only as many units as
Washington will allow. I am firmly convinced that the only temporary
panacea we can expect is the pouring into our area of sufficient funds
by the various Federal Housing agencies to construct temporary quar-
ters for the people involved.

As to the post-war housing situation, one can only speculate. Any
post-war plan for San Francisco must, of course, include provisions for
the replacing of substandard dwellings with modern homes.

Civilian Defense.

The Director of Civilian Defense will be prepared to report on Jan-
uary 8, 1944, in detail, on every phase of this problem. For the purpose
of my report to you gentlemen of the Board there are but three points
which I wish to make.

A complete plan for civilian participation in defense and in the war
effort was ready in August of 1941, three months before Pearl Harbor.
The plan was implemented and activated immediately after December
7, 1941. That is Point No. 1.

Point No. 2 is that, despite the fact that no funds had been specifically

(10 )

provided in the 1941-42 budget for this purpose, it was possible, due to
the cooperation of department heads, the Board of Supervisors, and
the administrative officials of the City and County, to finance Civilian
Defense expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1942, to the
extent of $407,609.07, and, in addition thereto, contractual commitments
were entered into to the extent of $203,416.63. A detailed report on this
subject was filed with the Board of Supervisors. Also, of course, the
Board is familiar with the Civilian Defense appropriations as budgeted
for the fiscal year 1942-43, totaling $1,907,963, and the 1943-44 appro-
priation totaling $1,738,373. High Federal officials have said that San
Francisco's Civilian^ Defense is second to none in the nation. This I
believe to be the fact.

May I say here in passing that it is my sincere hope that the City
of San Francisco, civilian defense volunteers, and others as well will
continue on in the splendid work they are doing. We cannot afford,
even for one moment, to relax our vigilance. Reports of victories by
our sterling armed forces should not cause us to be found unprepared
in the event of a sneak or token attack by our ungodly enemy. Re-
member that they were not expected at Pearl Harbor. Let's be pre-
pared for anything these madmen may attempt.

The third and final point has to do with the services available for the
men of the armed forces. First— long before Pearl Harbor — San Fran-
cisco provided "Hospitality House" for the men in training who might
visit San Francisco. The site and the materials for the building were
paid for by the city; the Building Trades Council, on a voluntary basis,
handled the erection of the structure; operating and maintenance costs
since its opening have been paid for by public funds.

I wish to thank the nearly 600 clubs, organizations and corporations
in this city which have participated in the operation of Hospitality
House and have donated over $50,000 for refreshments and smoking
materials, served without charge, since Hospitality House was opened
in August, 1941. I wish particularly to thank the hundreds of ladies
who have so graciously worked unbelievably long hours in serving
food and distributing smoking materials to the members of our armed
forces who visited the House.

With regard to providing beds for the men of the armed forces,
through subsidizing of existing agencies and by dormitory construc-
tion we have made available 3,000 beds nightly. These are provided
to men of the armed forces at a price of 50 cents. Few cities in Amer-
ica have equalled this record.

The American Theatre Wing sent the chairman of its board — Mr.
Brock Pemberton of New York — to San Francisco, and by virtue of the
cooperation of the San Francisco Municipal Government with him and
Mrs. Ina Claire Wallace there was opened "Stage Door Canteen" —
one of the six now in operation in the United States — which is provid-
ing outstanding entertainment and food for the men of the armed
services under the able chairmanship of Mrs. Paige Monteagle.

City Planning Commission.

The City Planning Department is now well organized and function-
ing smoothly as an important part of the machinery of government in
San Francisco. The time and effort of the Commission and its tech-
nical staff are being devoted largely to the preparation of a Master
Plan. This is the primary duty of the Department, according to the
Charter. It is a responsibility assigned to no other agency in the City
and County of San Francisco.

The growing interest of the people in the work of this Department
spells progress for San Francisco. The need for a Master Plan is
understood; its value to the city becomes more evident as the uncer-
tainties of the post-war period are considered. It will be an essential
instrument in the development of the grand strategy by which this
city prepares to meet the crisis of demobilization and the shift from
war to peacetime activity.

(11)

Conclusion.

I bespeak for my successor, Mayor-elect Roger D. Lapham, the whole-
hearted cooperation of every person in the municipal service. It is
my hope — my sincere hope — that every municipal official, every depart-
mental or divisional head, every municipal employee will give to the
new Mayor the very best that is in them.

"We are San Franciscans — that is to say, we are Americans. Under
our form of government, the government belongs not to the officials,
nor the employees of government, but to the people. Let's all work
together for the good of San Francisco; if Mayor Lapham's administra-
tion is a success we, as San Franciscans, will all benefit.

As I prepare to leave the office of the Mayor, I do so with a deep and
abiding satisfaction because it has been my privilege to have con-
tributed to some degree at least to the progress of the city we love so
dearly. As I leave the office I cherish the hope that my successor and
those others who will succeed us, some of whom are yet unborn, will
enjoy the true and lasting friendships that are mine.

Had serious illness not come upon me I would have been able to per-
sonally thank the men and women of the municipal service who served
with me during the past quarter of a century. I want them to know,
and I take this official means of telling them, that I am grateful to
them for their cooperation.

It is my ardent wish that in the years to come this city by the
Golden Gate will achieve that which I believe to be our destiny — that
is, that San Francisco will be the hub of the commercial and business
life not only of this great Western Commonwealth, but of the entire
Pacific World as well.

Gentlemen of the Board, if, in the days and years to come, any of
the experience and knowledge I have gained during my stewardship
will be of value to you, I want you to know that I shall consider it a
privilege and an honor to work with you for the continued advance-
ment of the City of St. Francis.

Yours very truly,

(Signed) ANGELO J. ROSSI, Mayor.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

CITY ATTORNEY

During the calendar year 1943, the City Attorney represented all
departments of the municipal government and attended to all of the
litigation incident to the several departments.

The bulk of the litigation came from accidents which occurred in the
Municipal Railway Department, or by reason of dangerous and defec-
tive conditions on the streets of San Francisco.

Naturally the increased transportation on the Municipal Railway
System increased the number of accidents and without going into any
itemized statement as to the number of accidents it can be safely said
that any increase in the payment of claims for accidents was not dis-
proportionate to the increased traffic on the Municipal Railway System.

Dangerous and Defective Conditions.

The state law imposes a liability upon the city where the city per-
mits a dangerous and defective condition to exist on any street, park
or public square with knowledge to the officials of the city who have
the power to remedy the condition. Practically, this means that the
Department of Public Works is responsible for street conditions, the
Park Department for park conditions and the Recreation Department
responsible for recreational conditions, for the reason that the courts
have held that after a period of time, irrespective of whether or not

(12)

the particular department has had knowledge of the dangerous and
defective conditions, the law presumes that they have had knowledge
and, therefore, it is incumbent upon these departments to see that the
streets, the parks and the recreational departments are sustained with
due regard to the safety of the public.

Records in this office are at all times available to show the number
of cases prosecuted against the city and the disposition of the same.

During the present year there were two outstanding pieces of litiga-
tion which meant much to the City and County of San Francisco. One
was the action brought by the Transbay Construction Company against
the city to recover damage for the alleged delay in the construction of
the 85-foot addition to the Hetch Hetchy Dam. The United States Dis-
trict Court decided this action against the city but we promptly took
an appeal to the United States Circuit Court and the Circuit Court
reversed the decision of the District Court. Thereupon the plaintiff
made an application to the United States Supreme Court for a writ of
certiorari which would have given the latter court the right to review
the judgment of the United States Circuit Court of Appeal. The Su-
preme Court of the United States refused to grant this writ and this
office was of the opinion that the litigation on this particular subject
had been concluded. However, the plaintiff has seen fit to endeavor to
reopen the case by the filing of an amended complaint. This matter
is still pending in the United States District Court. All of this litiga-
tion, with the exception of the original trial which was handled by
myself, has been handled by Mr. Dion Holm, Chief Counsel of the
Public Utilities Commission, and we have every hope that the litigation
which now involves almost a million dollars, will be decided ultimately,
in favor of the city.

The other important matter which was taken care of by this office
was the matter of the condemnation of Treasure Island. This litiga-
tion was originally handled by my Chief Deputy, Walter A. Dold, but
after all the pleadings were completed it developed that certain nego-
tiations were necessary between the city and the Army and Navy De-
partments of the United States. Our Mr. Holm spent some six weeks
in Washington negotiating an agreement which would settle the con-
troversy between the city and the Federal Government in regard to
Treasure Island. While the proposed settlement did not take into con-
sideration the payment of any specific amount of money for the city's
rights in Treasure Island it did provide for the performance of a cer-
tain amount of work at the Mills Field Airport which would com-
pensate the city for the loss of Treasure Island. This agreement is
now being considered by the Public Utilities Commission and I hope
that the matter may be adjusted to the benefit and satisfaction of the
city at a very early date.

In addition to the above matters there has been considerable litiga-
tion regarding the right of the city to execute local laws in regard to
the production and disposition of milk. Thus far we have been able
to sustain the city's rights.

Federal Eminent Domain.

Naturally during the past two years the Federal Government has had
to take over a great deal of city property for war purposes. We have
had every cooperation from the representatives of the Federal Govern-
ment but we cannot let this opportunity pass without calling attention
to the fact that when the Federal Government takes over local prop-
erty, taxes can no longer be levied against it, which is a very serious
loss to the city. At the present time the city is losing thousands of
dollars in revenue which it formerly received from properties now
taken over by the Federal Government, and the city should look for-
ward to the hope that the Constitution of California will be amended
so that government property would not be exempt from taxation but
that the same could be taxed whenever the Federal Government itself
would consent to such taxation.

(13)

CONTROLLER

The accounts of the Controller, in conformance with Section 68 of
the Charter, were audited by Ernst & Ernst by direction of the Board
of Supervisors.

Jn accordance with provisions of Section 66 of the Charter, audits
of departments were made by the Controller's audit staff, with the
exception of the following audits, which were made pursuant to the
provisions of Ordinance No. 9,0621 by certified public accountants:
Water Department, Hetch Hetchy, Board of Education, Municipal Rail-
way, Retirement System.

The various audit reports, as well as statistical information, are in
the process of being printed and will be included in the Controller's
Annual Report.

COORDINATING COUNCIL

The rapid wartime growth in population of this industrial area has
increased the scope of activities of the Coordinating Council of San
Francisco, as well as the various departments that are integral parts
of the Council.

Thousands of itinerants and families of migratory workers have
poured into San Francisco during the last two years from all parts
of the continent, including some more rural and backward sections,
bringing with them their sectional problems and adding to ours.

The presence of children and teen-age youths who lack parental con-
trol and discipline and war conditions have given rise to a sharp
increase in juvenile delinquency. The efforts of the Coordinating
Council have been directed to correction of this evil.

Delinquent Parent School.

The most important innovation in this direction was the establish-
ment on May 3, 1943, of a delinquent parent school.

Parents found wanting in their duty toward their children are sent
to this school by the courts. The school is held in the auditorium of the
Health Center Building, and the Council has obtained instructors
from the Department of Public Health, School Department, Recreation
Department, Police Department, District Attorney's Office, Community
Chest, United States Employment Service and churches of various
denominations.

Since its inception more than 200 delinquent parents have attended
the eight weekly courses and the school has received national recog-
nition in magazines and over the radio. Inquiries have been received
from some twenty-five major cities.

Through a system of questionnaires, an evaluation of the effect of
the school is being taken from those who have attended its courses.
The responses thus far have been highly encouraging.

Hunter's Point Problem.

The Government built a large housing project to accommodate thou-
sands of workers needed by the Navy Department at Hunter's Point
Dry Dock. Workers, hundreds of them teen-age, were recruited from
all over the nation and housed at the new project. The Council gave
closest attention to problems created there.

Japtown Problem.

The Coordinating Council played an important role In bringing to
light the deplorable conditions arising in the so-called "Japtown" sec-
tion. This section, old and dilapidated to begin with, is the area from

(14)

which the Japanese population was moved by the early wartime exclu-
sion orders.

Junior Coordinating Councils.

During the last year the Council has undertaken the organizing of
Junior Coordinating Councils in the various neighborhoods. They are
set upon the same basis as the District Coordinating Councils and are
governed by the youth under adult supervision and direction. The
Junior Central Council is functioning and the Ingleside-Taraval Council
is in the process of completion. It is planned to establish junior coun-
cils throughout the city.

In-Service Training.

The Council again this year organized a course of In-Service Train-
ing for the School Department which was well attended and favorably
received.

Curfew Law.

The Coordinating Council cooperated with the Police, Juvenile Court,
War Council, City Attorney and Parent Teacher Association in the
preparation of a Curfew Ordinance, designed to curb juvenile delin-
quency.

All other activities reported on the previous year, save those which
have accomplished desired purposes, still are functioning. The Council
is composed of the Director of Public Welfare, the Superintendent of
Schools, the Chief of Police, the Chief Probation Officer, the Director
of the Bureau of Child Hygiene, Department of Public Health, the
Superintendent of the Recreation Department, the Chief Supervisor of
the Public Dance Hall Committee and three representatives from the
Community Chest.

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

The sixth fiscal year of Golden Gate Bridge operation, July 1, 1942,
to June 30, 1943, caught the full impact of wartime restrictions on
civilian travel, gasoline and tire rationing, industrial expansion in
metropolitan San Francisco and northbay Redwood Empire counties,
and a greatly increased military activity without impairment to the
financial condition of the Bridge District.

Reduced civilian traffic has been replaced by war industry workers,
with net operating income of the Bridge District for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1943, approximately $303,000 more than the previous
year.

Total revenue was $2,579,981.91, compared with $2,292,945.10 for the
fiscal year previous. Average toll revenue per clay was $7,068.44; lowest
day's revenue was $4,786.40, on Thursday, January 21, 1943; highest
day's revenue was $13,274.03 on Sunday, July 5, 1942.

Free Government traffic continues to represent about 15 per cent of
the total traffic. Enactment of legislation currently pending in Con-
gress will eliminate approximately 50 per cent of this free Government
traffic.

The Golden Gate Bridge serves in increasing importance the nation's
military effort as a direct and speedy connecting link between vital
Army and Navy depots.

Efficient administration of the Board of Directors of the Golden Gate
Bridge and Highway District is reflected in minimum operating and
maintenance costs consistent with proper safeguarding of property and
efficient operation of the Bridge.

Future toll revenues will result from policy of Bridge District offi-
cials in cooperating with State and Federal highway engineers and
officials in construction and improvement of highways serving Bridge

( 15)

approaches. Particular emphasis is being placed on post-war highways,
including the Sausalito Lateral Approach, which directly and indirectly
serve routes leading to the Golden Gate Bridge.

The United States Office of Censorship has requested the District to
refrain from publication of statistics concerning the number and types
of vehicles crossing the Bridge.

SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND BAY BRIDGE

Notwithstanding the extensive curtailment in gasoline and tires, the
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge continues to hold its large daily
traffic of automobile and interurban passenger transportation. This is
undoubtedly due to the intense national defense efforts and the increase
in population in the Bay Area. The safety record continues to be good
in spite of the large volume of traffic.

There has been a considerable loss of bridge personnel because of
enlistments or induction into the armed forces. However, every reason-
able effort is being made to obtain satisfactory replacements and to
maintain the best possible service to the public. It has been necessary
to employ a number of women as toll collectors at the gates, an innova-
tion which has proved very satisfactory.

This year's report indicates no traffic statistics, as requested by the
Office of Censorship at Washington.

FEDERAL PROJECTS

New San Francisco Appraisers Building, under contract with Clinton
Construction Company, is now about 90 per cent complete, and is
expected to be ready for occupancy about May 15, 1944.

In connection with blackout and dimout regulations, the Protective
Construction Unit of the Federal Works Agency has inspected all Fed-
eral buildings in San Francisco and also all office buildings having
Federal leased quarters, and contracts have been let for the required
work, the total expenditure for which is not yet available. Following is
a list of such buildings:
Federally owned:

U. S. Post Office and Court House

U. S. Post Office Rincon Annex

New U. S. Mint

Old U. S. Mint

U. S. Custom House

Federal Office Building

100 McAllister Street Building

All leased Postal Stations in priority class.

Leased Quarters (exclusive of Postal leased Stations) :

Don Lee Building (Postal Concentration Center)

Post Office Garage

200 Bush Street (Maritime Commission)

Market and Van Ness Building (Farm Security Administration)

Pacific Building, 821 Market Street

The Mart, 1355 Market Street

Maskey Building, 46 Kearny Street

Office Building, 417 Market Street

Office Building, 625 Market Street

An engineering position has been established in the District Engi-
neer's office of the Public Buildings Administration, Federal Works
Agency, for the purpose of analyzing and effecting economies in con-
nection with space assignments and leases for Government activities.
In this connection the Congress had made available the sum of $500,000
for the advance planning of Government buildings for a post-war pro-
gram.

(16)

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The close of the second year of our participation in the war finds
the San F'rancisco Public Schools geared to an accelerated program
at all levels of the education field — elementary, junior and senior high,
junior college, and day and evening schools for adults specializing in
war production training courses.

With the appointment by the Board of Education of Dr. Curtis E.
Warren as superintendent of schools on July 1, 1943, San Francisco has
secured one of the nation's outstanding school administrators, as well
as leading educators, to direct its educational system during the en-
suing years.

To meet the wartime demands of industry and to make available
additional manpower, a nursery school and child care program to assist
working mothers was inaugurated under the supervision of the San
Francisco Unified School District on May 17, 1943. In operation at the
present time are five nursery schools and six child care centers, located
in various sections of the city, with an enrollment of approximately 250
children ranging from two and one-half to sixteen years of age. As
the need arises additional centers will be opened by the school depart-
ment.

The secondary schools of San Francisco have continued the adjust-
ment of their curricula to the war situation begun last year, but are
already looking forward to an even more serious adjustment to the
post-war period.

The first secondary curriculum study committee appointed by the
superintendent of schools and composed of teachers, principals and
department heads, has just completed their over-all survey of the needs
of San Francisco boys and girls of adolescent age and have laid the
foundations for future curriculum development in a publication titled
"Curriculum Foundations for the San Francisco Schools." Following
this study a new reading program for the junior and senior high
schools has been developed by curriculum study groups appointed for
this purpose.

The physical education program for girls and boys has been expanded
and developed to provide for an extensive body building program.

This year the schools have become a much needed source of labor
supply. At the present time there are almost six thousand senior high
school boys and girls working part time in industry, government offices,
and the service trades. A placement program has been organized in
cooperation with the Junior Division of the United States Employment
Service. Eight persons working under the direction of this agency and
the school system spend their full time in finding jobs, making place-
ments, issuing clearances, and counseling students and parents. Over
eight thousand placements have been made since this program was
inaugurated in April, 1943.

The San Francisco school system contributed greatly to the harvest-
ing program this summer by maintaining a continuous recruitment
service throughout the harvesting season and working with the local
and national agencies who were responsible for the carrying out of
this important wartime project. More San Francisco boys and girls
were placed in organized camps in the harvest areas than by any other
city in the state.

Many summer activities were included in the summer school calendar.
A large summer school was maintained for senior high school students
in the Mission High School building. The enrollment was over three
thousand. By maintaining such a school, students were able to acceler-
ate their normal school program and graduate earlier, thus permitting
early entrance into industry or the possibility of going to college for
a year before they were drafted.

(17)

The secondary schools have participated in many community activi-
ties in addition to the regular classroom work. Three hundred and
thirty thousand Christmas cards were made recently by the junior
high schools for the Red Cross to send to soldiers overseas. Hundreds
of tons of paper, rags, and metal have been collected on various drives.
Scrap books and games have been sent overseas by the hundreds. Many
articles have been made for servicemen in the sewing classes of the
schools. Hundreds of gift sets have been sent to sailors and soldiers
in other areas.

Adding to its commendable participation in the war effort, the school
department expanded its apprentice training program by establishing
the Hunter's Point Apprentice School on July 6, 1943, in cooperation
with the United States Navy. This program, designed to develop the
highly skilled craftsmen needed for naval construction and repair
work, offers sixteen-year-old boys both classroom instruction and em-
ployment in the skilled trade of their choice, with the opportunity of
receiving their high school diploma and journeyman status in their
trade.

Apprentices attend school full time one week in every five and re-
ceive instruction in English, history, mathematics, science, trade
theory, and blueprint reading. Each four weeks in the shops, appren-
tices work on production jobs under the supervision of skilled mechan-
ics. Apprentices are paid both while in school and on the job.

Approximately 225 apprentices are at present enrolled in this pro-
gram, including the following skilled trades: blacksmith, boatbuilder,
boilermaker, coppersmith, joiner, inside and outside machinist, molder,
painter, patternmaker, pipefitter, rigger, sailmaker, sheetmetal worker,
shipfitter, shipwright, and electrician. Plans have been completed for
enrolling a new group of approximately 75 apprentices for the program
shortly after the first of the year.

War Production Training courses, conducted under the auspices of
the San Francisco Public Schools, have enrolled and trained 53,461 men
and women for jobs in war industries since the inauguration of the
program on January 13, 1941. Courses are being given in all phases of
the aircraft and shipbuilding industries and are particularly designed
to meet the specific needs of the many occupations concerned. New
classes are started as the need demands. Many San Francisco war
industries are now assigning all new inexperienced employees direct
to these courses in order that they may qualify for skilled jobs and take
a greater part in aiding in the war effort. These War Production Train-
ing courses offer free training to both men and women during the day
and evening hours and are located in eighteen convenient locations
throughout San Francisco.

An Elementary School Survey Committee, appointed by the Super-
intendent of Schools, and consisting of three university professors and
three elementary school principals, now has in the process of publica-
tion a report on the curriculum as it pertains to the elementary schools
of San Francisco. In a preamble to its report the committee stated:

"It is apparent that dissatisfaction with the schools and the attain-
ment of the pupils which we hear expressed in many parts of the coun-
try these days is not new. It is apparent, also, that the criticisms have
reiterated the idea that the faults in the school are due to 'modern'
theories and practices and that the remedy is to return to the 'good old
days.' The fact that criticisms of modern methods are perennial sug-
gests that they grew out of a failure to understand the purposes and
the significance of modern methods.

"We cannot advise a return to previous methods, however, just be-
cause they are old, any more than we can accept blindly the newer
ways because they are new. It is necessary to evaluate the newer
procedures and to interpret the performance of the pupils in the light

(18 )

of their total attainments. We must seek to understand the aims of
the present-day education and the attainments of the pupils both in
the more traditional subjects and in the newer activities. We must
look at this evaluation in the light, also, of the changed conditions.

"The committee has conceived its task in this comprehensive form.
It has reviewed the principles underlying present-day education, par-
ticularly in the elementary school. It has taken account of the fact
that education has become practically universal throughout the high
school. It has examined the curriculum in San Francisco and the per-
formances of the pupils both in the fundamentals and in the broader
fields of study and has evaluated the curriculum in San Francisco on
the basis of this examination."

The San Francisco Junior College has modified its offerings in ac-
cordance with the wartime needs of the community. Pre-induction
courses have been offered to men students attending college prior to
their entry into the Services; and the counseling program has been
expanded to meet the needs of young men and women today. Great
emphasis is being placed on the College's adult program. An Evening
Extension Division for adults has been opened, and a citywide victory
gardening program has been inaugurated by the Floriculture Division.
Several hundred families have grown their own vegetables in gardens
on the campus and in other areas under College supervision, and many
other families have canned fruit and vegetables in the College kitchens
under College direction. Office personnel has been trained for various
public agencies and for branches of the Armed Services in classes held
in off-campus locations most convenient for trainees, and cooks and
bakers have been trained for the Merchant Marine in the only West
Coast training school of this type.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

We have come to the close of a war year, which like the one which
preceded it, presented a challenge to a Police Department sorely handi-
capped by a lack of personnel. The problem was successfully answered
by the added vigor and energy of the members of the department who
by their unstinted effort maintained our high standard of law enforce-
ment for which we are justly proud.

Major Crimes.

The statistics on the major crimes involving attacks upon property
and persons indicate an increase which is unavoidable in view of the
following factors: (a) the tremendous increase in population; (b) the
City and County of San Francisco is a port of embarcation; (c) dim-
out areas have provided a natural setting for the commission of such
crimes as robbery, burglary and theft; (d) the demands made upon
our manpower by the armed forces and higher paying defense indus-
tries created a shortage of personnel. This void in the ranks made
necessary the utilization of limited tenure police officers.

Maintaining the high standard set in the year 1942, there were no
successful bank holdups to mar the perfect record of the San Francisco
Police Department. There was an isolated instance of an attempted
bank holdup which was frustrated by the prompt and efficient action
of police officers.

Commendations for Meritorious Conduct.

Commendations for bravery in this department were awarded during
the year 1942 as follows: Commendation "A." which is given by the
Chief for an act performed intelligently in the line of police duty, or
for any important arrest involving elements of initiative, intelligence
or bravery, was given to nineteen members of this department. Com-
mendation "B," which is given by the Board of Police Commissioners
for the performance of acts unquestionably involving bravery and risk

(19)

of life, and with knowledge of risk assumed in the performance of
police duty, was given to ten members of the department. These com-
mendations were based upon instances wherein those officers com-
mended succeeded in apprehending gunmen under exceptional circum-
stances; or, with knowledge of the risk assumed, faced gunfire or
saved lives at the risk of their own.

Traffic Accidents.

Records indicate a decrease in non-fatal and property damage acci-
dents, while the number of fatalities due to the operation of motor
vehicles was greater than that of 1942. This increase can be attrib-
uted in the major part to the combined existence of a dim-out area,
dimmed-out headlights and the customary dark clothing worn by
pedestrians.

Junior Traffic Patrol.

The value of the Junior Traffic Patrol was clearly brought out by the
fact that no child of school age was killed in the past year at school
crossings during school hours. The untiring efforts of those concerned
with this method of accident prevention has produced 100 per cent
results.

Police Academy.

Modern police service has become a profession which demands the
best material available, men of physical character and moral excel-
lence, animated by the highest conception of duty and public service.
The Police Academy was of great value in training inexperienced
limited tenure police recruits. Without the opportunity to attend tech-
nical courses and to learn the methods, practices and technique of
police procedure, these men would have been of little value to the
Police Department.

Auxiliary Police.

One of the major problems confronting the San Francisco Police
Department was the combating of an increase in crime with a depleted
force. The Civil Service list which ordinarily supplied the required
manpower to the department became exhausted and it therefore be-
came necessary to advertise for limited tenure police recruits. This
was met with a weak response. It devolved upon the auxiliary police
to aid in stemming the rapidly growing void in manpower and the
attendant increase in crime. The many and varied details assigned
them were efficiently and expertly carried out. The burden of traffic
duty which normally makes heavy demand upon the manpower of the
department was to a great extent lightened by the voluntary and
unsacrificing effort of these men on the home front. When the request
was made for police aid the response thereto was immediate and
unquestioned. Our records reflect the many instances wherein the
auxiliaries covered themselves with honor by their efficient and cour-
ageous apprehension of criminals. With the close of the year 1943,
the auxiliaries will have been in existence for a period of two years.
The experience they have gained during this time has been of great
value to themselves as well as to our city. Continuous courses in in-
struction have been afforded them in order that they might further
perfect themselves in their patriotically chosen careers.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

During the first eleven months of the calendar year 1943, the San
Francisco Fire Department responded to 10,133 alarms, an increase
of 1722 over the same period of the previous year.

In view of the vast increase of our population and of our greatly

(20)

expanded war activities, the increased number of alarms can be con-
sidered as normal, and it is particularly gratifying that, due to the
constant and careful vigilance on the part of the Fire Department, no
really serious or disastrous fires occurred during the year.

In the Hunter's Point area, where numerous new housing projects
have been established in territories which formerly were undeveloped
and required no special fire protection, a new chemical company has
been established in the quarters of Engine Company No. 11 at 1632
Oakdale Avenue.

In full accord with Army, Navy, Coast Guard and the State Harbor
authorities, a rigid control and constant surveillance has been main-
tained along our harbor front and shipping, and this hazardous area
has been particularly free from fires on this account.

The regular equipment and rolling stock of the department has been
maintained at full capacity, and while the present war has prevented
the continuance of our accepted policy of replacing a certain percentage
of our obsolescent fire apparatus each year, by reason of the fact that
their manufacture has been stopped for the duration, the acquisition
of considerable quantities of auxiliary fire equipment from the 1942
F'ire Protection Bond fund has provided an adequate margin of safety
in this respect.

Not quite as favorable is the manpower situation in the department.
Of the 196 officers and members who joined the armed forces, 30 have
been honorably discharged, and three have been reported as killed or
missing in action, leaving a balance of 163 now in military service.
Deaths and retirements by reason of disability or full time of service
have added another 44 vacancies, which brings the total of vacancies
to 207. Against these we have been able to obtain 47 limited tenure
firemen and 24 temporary non-civil service firemen, or a total of 71
men, thus leaving a balance of 136 unfilled vacancies at this time.

It is hoped that a general leveling off of all war activities, which is
now taking place, will bring some relief, or at least will prevent this
situation from becoming much worse.

In the maintenance of the Auxiliary Fire Service, the regular depart-
ment has continued to exert every possible influence to maintain this
branch of civilian defense at its full capacity, although there has been
a marked falling off of attendance at the regular drills. This has been
caused by the recent relaxation by the Army authorities of the dim-out
regulations and a general reduction in civilian defense activities.

The records of this service, as of December 1, 1943, show:

Active Members 1,400

Inactive Members 2,491

Undergoing Training 17

Total 3,908

The morale of these forces, on the whole, is excellent, interest is keen,
and a healthy spirit of friendly rivalry has been fostered by the con-
duct of several city-wide competitions, which have demonstrated the
remarkable efficiency of this service.

The auxiliary fire equipment is being maintained at high efficiency
and in constant readiness for immediate service. Four hundred fifty-
six units are quartered in regular and auxiliary firehouses throughout
the city and the remaining units are kept in pools, equipped and ready
for service in the two leased garages at 330 Larkin Street and at 915
Northpoint Street.

The number of auxiliary firehouses has been increased to fifty, and
two vacant gasoline service stations have been leased to serve as
auxiliary stations.

(21)

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

The Civil Service Commission has met, with good judgment and
excellent planning, the many difficult problems arising out of the war
emergency. The manpower shortage has been very evident in the city
service and in order to alleviate the condition the commission has estab-
lished a part time rule allowing city employees, not only to work in
outside employment after their regular hours of business, but also to
work in other classifications in the city service.

The limited tenure examination procedure approved by the people
at the last election was put into effect by the Civil Service Commission
in February of this year and provides for a non-competitive examina-
tion and the immediate filling of vacancies; 148 limited tenure exam-
inations have been held to date; 8,032 persons interviewed and approxi-
mately 5500 appointments have been made under this limited tenure
procedure.

Even in view of the labor shortage in the city service, the commis-
sion has been fully cognizant of the need to divert to the war effort
skilled persons who can be spared or replaced with persons of lesser
skills. In January, 1943, the commission undertook to survey the city
service to ascertain how many persons had the G2 essential skills
urgently needed in the war effort. The results of the survey were
tabulated and a complete report issued indicating all of the persons
with these skills who were not using such skills in the city service.
Appointing officers were asked to release as many of these employees
who cared to be released whose services could be dispensed with for the
duration, or whose jobs could be filled by persons of lesser skills. Two
hundred and nineteen employees are now on leave for non-military ser-
vice in the war effort. There are also 1171 employees on military leave.

The Civil Service Commission has just completed a salary survey
covering about 7000 positions in the city service. In addition to recom-
mending salary schedules in accordance with those paid in private
employment and other governmental jurisdictions in this state, the
commission has recommended to the Board of Supervisors that there
be a standard work week in the city service; that a minimum number
of holidays be granted all employees; that seniority increments be
based upon anniversary of employment; and that overtime payments
be made on a sound basis, and it is my opinion that all of these recom-
mendations are for the betterment of morale and service, and will be
an effective aid in recruiting the highest type persons for the city ser-
vice. The Civil Service Commission is to be congratulated on its
attempt to improve standards and working conditions in the city ser-
vice and it is my hope that some day in the not too distant future the
municipal government can be looked upon as a model employer and a
leader in modern personnel practices.

EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM

The Retirement System included 13,177 employees at June 30, 1943.
During the fiscal year ending on that date, 201 members were retired
because of age or disability or qualified for monthly allowances as
widows of firemen or policemen whose deaths resulted from injury
received in performance of duty, and 110 active members died. Many
of the positions thus vacated were not filled. During 1942-43, 129 re-
tired persons died, and on June 30, 1943, there were 2177 persons
receiving allowances under the Retirement System, this number in-
cluding aged and disabled members retired from the several depart-
ments and also retired firemen and policemen, and their widows, where
retirement allowances were continued to them or death resulted while
in performance of duty.

The administration of the State Compensation Insurance Law, as i

(22)

affects all city employees, is centralized under the Retirement Board.
Reports of all injuries among approximately 13,000 employees are made
to the Retirement Office and claims are adjusted and benefits paid in
accordance with the State law and Charter, the City and County acting
as self-insurer in relation to all employees. During the fiscal year
1942-43, 1017 compensation cases were handled, under which either
weekly benefits or medical expenses were paid. Approximately 1572
additional cases were handled which were not of sufficient severity to
qualify for compensation benefits other than medical care by the physi-
cian regularly employed by the Retirement System. The investments
of the Retirement Fund at June 30, 1943, totaled $33,122,345 as against
$30,717,014 as of June 30, 1942.

ASSESSOR'S OFFICE

Assessor Russell L. Wolden and his staff have maintained the high
standard of efficient operation for which the San Francisco Assessor's
Office has received wide recognition.

The building valuation increase, due mainly to new industrial struc-
tures in the Potrero and Bayview districts and the uncompleted Metro-
politan Life Insurance Company project, Park Merced, was offset by a
decrease in land valuations in the Western Addition. However, the
heavy increase in intangible personal property resulted in a grand
total which exceeds last year's figure by $76,780,342.

Despite the difficulties of working under war conditions, Assessor
Wolden and his staff are continuing their valuation studies to maintain
all assessed values on a fair and equitable basis.

SUMMARIZED COMPARISON OF ASSESSMENT ROLLS

Proi)erty Assessed by the Assessor lfJ',3-19U 19^2-19.^3

Tangible Property:

Real Estate and Improvements 659,445,299 668,002,629

Personal Property:

Secured and Unsecured 92,233,107 90,157,437

751,678,406 758,160,066
Less Veterans' Exemptions 7,450,642 7,472,154

744,227,764 750,687,912
Intangible Property:

Solvent Credits ( @ 10c per $100) 256,123,663 194,667,853

Property Assessed by the S. B. of E.

Tangible Property:

Real Estate and Improvements 56,137,410 56.116,120

Personal Property 32,631,960 32,143,990

88,769,370 88,260,110

Intangible Property:

Solvent Credits (@ 10c per $100) 87,100,960 65,825.540

Total Property Subject to City and

County Taxes 1,176.221,757 1,099,441,415

TREASURER

The Treasurer's Office, Thos. K. McCarthy, Treasurer, is conducted
under the provisions of the Charter of the City and County of San
Francisco, the laws of California, and the Federal Reserve Act.

(23)

The annual audit for the fiscal year of 1942-1943 of the Treasurer's
Office was made by the Auditing Department of the Controller's Office,
and found all accounts correct.

James 0. Sully, Certified Public Accountant, under the supervision
of Harold J. Boyd, Controller, audited the securities held in the joint
custody vault of the Treasurer's Office, in the name of the San Fran-
cisco City and County Employees' Retirement System. Bonds in the
amount of 131,154,700 were found to be correct.

Cash on hand at the close of business June 30, 1942, $20,714,044.05.
Cash received fiscal year 1942-1943, $91,358,894.04. Cash disbursed
$86,184,433.55. Total cash handled $177,543,329.59. Cash on hand as of
June 30, 1943, $25,888,504.54.

Number of City and County of San F'rancisco warrants paid during
the fiscal year 1942-1943, 689,584. 266,160 coupons paid for a total of
$5,988,592.33. 8089 bonds paid for a total of $8,083,600.

Collections for inheritance tax, $1,472,150.12. Inheritance tax re-
ceipts issued, 977. Safe deposit box examinations and contents listed,
1665. Inheritance tax certificates issued in connection with the trans-
fer of securities and bank accounts, 9431.

The Treasurer, by virtue of his office, is the Treasurer of the Islais
Creek Reclamation District, which is located wholly within the City
and County of San Francisco.

The National City Bank of New York is the designated fiscal agency
of the City and County of San Francisco, and pays matured bond
interest and bond redemption.

SHERIFF

Daniel C. Murphy, Sheriff of the City and County of San Francisco,
outlines his activities for 1943, as follows:

Receipts.

County commissions, fees and mileage, $26,563.84; cash receipts
under writs of attachment, executions, fee deposits by plaintiffs, and
cash deposits by defendants in lieu of undertakings on release of
attachments, etc., $205,807.92; sales of personal property after deduc-
tion of county commission and fees, $11,721.99; sales of real property,
$5,893.97; total, $249,997.72.

Process and Papers Filed and Issued.

A classified list of all process and papers filed and issued for this
same period is as follows: Bonds (personal and surety), 11; claims
of exemption, notice of preferred claims, releases, third party claims,
920; claims and delivery and writs of replevin, 53; miscellaneous, 587;
notices, 167; orders of arrest, 10; orders of examination, 8; orders to
show cause, 275; subpoena, 121; summons (civil actions) 3,074; writs
of attachment (personal property), 5,624; writs of attachment (real
property), 49; writs of execution (personal property), 4,702; writs of
execution (real property), 51; writs of possession, 161; certificates
(issued), 27; deed (issued), 6; releases, 3,636; total, 19,482.

Under and pursuant to such writs of attachment and writs of
execution, most of the personal property levied upon consists of gar-
nishments. However, under that type of writs, including claim and
delivery and writs of replevin, the following personal property sales
were consummated:

Number of Sales, 38; Amount $11,731.99.

The process under and pursuant to which these so-called evictions
are made is termed "Writs of Possession," and will hereinafter be

(24)

referred to by that name and will be enumerated under the classified
list of process captioned: Writs of possession received or filed, 160;
possession to plaintiff, 77; unexecuted, 40; number of forcible evic-
tions, 43.

County Jails — Numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The monthly average population of inmates confined in all San Fran-
cisco County Jails for fiscal year July 1, 1942, to June 30, 1943, both
dates inclusive, is 857.35; the total for the twelve months, 10,288.

There were 1091 Federal male and 33 Federal female prisoners re-
ceived during this period with a daily average of 60.

The amount (total) received from the United States Government for
maintenance and subsistence of Federal prisoners for the fiscal year,
July 1, 1942, to June 30, 1943, was $17,516.20.

During the calendar year of 1943 there were 574 male patients and
521 female patients transported from the Detention Hospital to various
state institutions.

From our County Jails, 190 male and 16 female prisoners were trans-
ported to state penitentiaries and other correctional institutions during
this same period. The transportation of these persons is under the
direct supervision of the Sheriff and follows the procedure authorized
on January 13, 1936, of Ordinance 7.062, Bill 890. All surplus money
received from this source is deposited with the Treasurer of the City
and County of San Francisco by the Sheriff. While under the law the
Sheriff could retain this surplus money, he believes it should be used
for the benefit of the taxpayers of the City and County of San Fran-
cisco. This new procedure adopted by the Sheriff has resulted in a
saving to the City and County of San Francisco of $4,731.56 during
the last fiscal year.

At the request of the Sheriff, Ordinance 7061, Bill 860, was drafted
and approved on January 13, 1936. This ordinance established County
Jail stores to be maintained for the convenience of prisoners, and under
this procedure, should there be any profit, it would be deposited with
the Treasurer for the benefit of the taxpayers of the City and County
of San Francisco. These stores are under the direct supervision of the
Sheriff, and with minimum prices on all commodities sold in the stores,
the profit for the last fiscal year amounted to $7,242.85.

PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

In spite of greatly increased costs of labor and supplies, manpower
shortages and the scarcity of critical materials, the revenue producing
properties operated by the Commission enjoyed the greatest net in-
comes in their history during the year. Particularly was this true of
the operations of the Municipal Railway and of the San Francisco
Water Department. Meanwhile, non-revenue producing utilities con-
tinued to extend their services to new customers, further exemplifying
the advantages of public ownership of utilities. More detailed reports
of these various operations follow:

Municipal Railway of San Francisco.

On December 31, 1943, the Municipal Railway had completed its
thirty-first year of operation, the last two years since December 8,
1941, being under war conditions which created tremendous demands
for vital wartime transportation. Due to the military requirements for
the conduct of the war, it became increasingly difficult to obtain suf-
ficient operating personnel, materials and equipment to meet the ab-
normal transportation needs.

The past year has been the most outstanding in the railway's his-
tory, and revenues received, profits earned, and service operated estab-

(25)

lished record figures. The volume of travel which has been consis-
tently and progressively increasing has taxed the management of the
railway to the utmost to provide the required transportation with pres-
ent equipment and facilities.

To indicate the progressive nature of the increasing travel, a tabu-
lation of the daily average passenger receipts for the past thirty-six
months is given below:

DAILY AVERAGE PASSENGER RECEIPTS
Combined Average, Saturdays, Sundays and Work Days

19>,.i 191,2 1941

January $15,208 $11,456 $10,736

February 16,163 11,948 10,823

March 16,403 12,455 11,325

April 16,614 12,611 11,404

May 16,469 12,462 11,069

June 17,134 13,097 10,965

July 16,895 13,162 10,693

August 16,936 13,384 10,897

September 17,665 13,989 11,398

October 18,017 14,636 11,731

November 18,119 14,221 11,155

December 18,274 15,919 11,208

Daily Average Calendar Year 16,993 13,287 11,118

TOTAL PASSENGER RECEIPTS FOR CALENDAR YEARS

19J,S 191,2 19U

$6,202,533 $4,849,788 $4,057,995

The increase in the daily average passenger receipts in the month
of December, 1943, over December, 1941, amounts to $7,066 per day, or
63.04 per cent.

In November and December, many week-day passenger receipt totals
were in excess of $19,000 per day, and on some days reached the record
figure of over $20,000.

Gasoline rationing which went into effect December 1, 1942, greatly
curtailed the use of private automobiles and forced large numbers of
additional people to use street cars and motor coaches. Further cuts In
the gasoline allowances to drivers of private automobiles have been
proposed and if placed in effect will result in additional transportation
demands upon the railway.

As the fullest use of all existing street railway transportation facili-
ties was demanded to handle the wartime travel requirements, and in
consideration of the many benefits of unified operation, it was decided
to resubmit the proposal to purchase the operative properties of the
Market Street Railway Company and to consolidate that system with
the Municipal Railway system under city management. A similar pro-
posal was defeated by some 6,000 votes in an election held on November
3, 1942. Accordingly on April 20, 1943, a charter amendment was sub-
mitted to the voters of San Francisco authorizing the purchase of the
Market Street Railway Company's operative properties for the sum of
$7,950,000. This purchase was to be financed by the issuance of reve-
nue bonds, principal and interest to be paid solely from the revenues
of the Municipal Railway after consolidation with the Market Street
Railway Company.

Estimates of financial results of operation after unification were pre-
pared, and these estimates indicated that on a uniform fare of six cents
with a free transfer privilege all operating costs and other charges,
including bond interest and redemption, could be paid and a balance

(26)

would be available for reconstruction, replacements, and deferred main-
tenance of approximately $1,400,000 annually.

Plans were submitted to utilize to the maximum all existing equip-
ment and trackage of the two systems and to make extensions, re-
visions and re-routings of present lines to more advantageously use
present transportation facilities. This was in accord with the desires
of the Office of Defense Transportation.

Full publicity was afforded in the press, and favorable support given
by most civic bodies and leaders. The amendment, however, failed to
gain a majority vote, the result being 53,619 for and 88.418 against.

On October 5, 1943, the Office of Defense Transportation submitted
recommendations for transit adjustments in San Francisco, vitally
changing the existing service of the Municipal Railway and the Mar-
ket Street Railway Company. Studies of these recommendations by
the Municipal Railway management and many interested civic bodies
resulted in an almost unanimous opinion that the placing of these
recommendations into effect would have a disastrous effect on Munici-
pal Railway operation, would fail to improve the overall transportation
problem, and would cause still further transportation difficulties.

Conferences were held locally by the Office of Defense Transportation
with the various railway managements, and objections to many of the
recommendations were made. A hearing in Washington was held which
was attended by E. G. Cahill, Manager of Utilities; Wm. H. Scott, Man-
ager of the Municipal Railway; Dion Holm, Assistant City Attorney;
Dewey Mead, member of the Board of Supervisors, and Rodger D.
Lapham, Mayor-elect. As a result of this meeting, a postponement of
the proposed transit program was obtained looking toward a re-exam-
ination of the problem and a possible voluntary operating agreement
among the transit agencies involved.

Total operating revenue for the year amounted to $6,249,860, an in-
crease of $1,357,143 or 27.74 per cent over the previous year and the
highest figure in the Municipal Railway history. Operating expenses
totaled $4,501,157, an increase of $781,152 due principally to increased
service operated and to wage increases to platform men and other em-
ployees.

After providing the amount of $563,121 for depreciation, $202,496 for
accidents, and $49,583 for bond interest, the railway had a net income
of $940,503, an all-time high in its history. It should be noted that this
net income resulted after increasing the charge for depreciation to
$563,121, an increase of $149,523, over the previous year.

Car and coach hours operated for the year amounted to 1,252,565
hours, an increase of 132,255 hours, or 11.81 per cent over the previous
year and the highest ever operated by the railway.

No major changes were made in the established car or coach routes
during the year.

Passengers carried during the year totaled 157,267,410, an increase
of 30,638,430, or 24.20 per cent over the previous year and an all-time
high for the railway. Street cars and coaches traveled a distance of
11,891,750 miles, which is an increase of 1,195,858 miles, or 11.18 per
cent over last year and the greatest mileage operated in any previous
year by the railway.

The arrangement for a free interchange of transfers with the Cali-
fornia Street Cable Railroad Company's lines, which went into effect
on December 1, 1942, was discontinued on August 8, 1943, at the re-
quest of the California Street Cable Railroad Company. The rate of
fare on the Municipal Railway lines remained at five cents during the
year, and on the California Street Cable Railroad Company at six
cents. The fare on the Market Street Railway Company's lines, which
has been seven cents, was ordered reduced to six cents by the State
Railroad Commission in an order issued on November 30, 1943, and
effective on or before December 21, 1943.

(27)

Track roadway and equipment have been maintained in excellent
condition, the sum of $551,922 having been expended for this purpose.
Included in this maintenance work was the overhauling and painting
of thirty-nine street car bodies and fifteen motor coaches. Priority re-
strictions due to the war have made it increasingly difficult to obtain
certain critical materials, and it has therefore been necessary to utilize
all materials to the fullest extent to maintain operation and to co-
operate in the war effort.

Expenditures for new construction, equipment, and replacements
amounted to $72,346. This is a greatly reduced figure from normal
years and is due mainly to war conditions restricting the use of critical
materials and equipment and to the shortage of labor, with the result
that replacements have been confined mainly to small jobs absolutely
essential to the operation of the railway.

Purchase orders for twenty-three motor coaches in the amount of
$283,000 were drawn in the early part of 1942, some twenty months
ago, and though every effort has been made to secure federal approval;
it has not been given, and this much needed equipment cannot be ob-
tained. In addition to the above, funds have been set up in the amount
of $180,000 for the purchase of fifteen more motor coaches and in the
amount of $280,000 for the purchase of twenty trolley coaches. This
makes a total provision for the purchase of thirty-eight motor coaches
and twenty trolley coaches. Funds are also available in the amount of
$160,000 for the construction of a new motor coach garage, but must
await more favorable conditions for construction as must over $500,000
of track replacements for which funds have been set up.

During the year, under track maintenance and replacements 1800
feet of single track was reconstructed, 240 thermit weld joints were
installed, 50,490 square feet of concrete base seven inches deep was
renewed, and 293,374 square feet of asphalt paving was replaced. The
total cost of asphalt paving for the year was $43,446.

On December 1, the sum of $100,000 in bonds of the railway was
retired from earnings so that there now remains an indebtedness of
only $900,000 against the railway properties, which are conservatively
valued at $10,000,000.

At the close of the year, the cash balances in the various Municipal
Railway funds amounted to over $3,500,000. During the first six months
of the year, due to the large number of employees leaving for military
service and to others accepting employment in the war industries, it
was difficult to obtain sufficient street car and coach operators to
maintain required schedules. The increase in platform wages on July
1, 1943, of five cents per hour to street car operators, the rates being
85 cents to 92V2 cents per hour, and the increase of 10 cents per hour
to coach operators, the new rates being 90 cents to 97V2 cents per
hour, greatly relieved the shortage of platform employees.

The requirement of employees obtaining employment releases, the
provision for limited draft deferments, the employment of women, and
the extensive advertising campaigns for platform employees conducted
in newspapers and on the radio for which the amount of $16,165 was
expended, all tended greatly to relieve the shortage of operating per-
sonnel.

The Municipal Railway training department was required to train
838 street car and coach operators during the year. Of this number 615
completed training and qualified for regular employment. The number
completing training amounted to over 54 per cent of the total number
of platform employees required for operation, which figure was 1,133
at the close of the year and included 160 women.

The past year has been a trying one for the railway management and
personnel, and all indications are that still further efforts must be made
as wartime activities increase in the Pacific area, concern being felt
as to the ability of the railway to provide the necessary increased trans-
portation service with present trackage and equipment.

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MUNICIPAL RAILWAY OF SAN FRANCISCO

INCOME AND PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT

Calendar Year — January 1, 19-'i3, to December 81, 19Jt3

ESTIMATED

OPERATING REVENUE $6,249,860

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Way and Structures $ 233,198

Equipment 318,724

Power 627,088

Conducting Transportation 2,843,429

General and Miscellaneous 478,718

$4,501,157
Less: Subsidy from State Board of Harbor Com-
missioners for operation of Embarcadero buses
for calendar year 1943

Net Operating Expense 4,501,157

Net Operating Revenue $1,748,703

Plus Non-Operating Revenue:

Interest on Bank Balances $ 2,250

Miscellaneous Profit and Loss Credits (Net) . . 4,750 7,000

GROSS INCOME $1,755,703

Deductions from Gross Income:

Interest on Funded Debt 49,583

Net Income before Depreciation and Other

Reserves $1,706,120

RESERVES :

Depreciation Reserve $ 563,121

Accident Reserve 202,496 765,617

Net Income Transferred to Profit and Loss $ 940,503

Bond Redemption 100,000

NET SURPLUS $ 840,503

San Francisco Water Department.

The year 1943, the fourteenth under municipal ownership, marks
another year of profitable operation of the San Francisco Water De-
partment.

Although the increase in the number of active consumers accounts
and of new services is small as compared with previous years, due to
War Production Board restrictions, an exceptional gain was made in
water sales as a result of the influx of defense workers and the greatly
expanded wartime industries.

Water consumption for the entire system during the year averaged
83.0 million gallons daily, an increase of 9.0 million gallons daily over
the preceding year. Of this total 73.4 million gallons daily were used
in the city proper and 9.6 million gallons daily in the suburban area.

This is the greatest gain in consumption experienced in the history
of the system either under city or under Spring Valley operation.

Also for the first time, the 24-hour peak demand of the system ex-
ceeded 100 million gallons. This occurred several times during the
year; the maximum draft, occurring on September 21, amounted to
109,384,000 gallons.

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Reflecting the increased consumption, water sales for the year
amounted to $8,576,046 and net income from operations was $4,094,063
as compared to $3,532,271 for the preceding year, or an increase of
$561,792.

This increase is the net result of an increase in water sales amount-
ing to $647,489, an all-time high, a decrease of $51,367 in miscellaneous
income, an increase in operating expenses of $121,222 and a decrease
in other expense, principally bond interest and redemption of $86,892.

The water sales increase of $647,489 represents a gain of $588,040
in revenue and an increase of $59,449 in water furnished to non-paying
municipal accounts.

This increase in revenue was accounted for by a 6.6 per cent increase
amounting to $446,994 for San Francisco and by a 24.4 per cent in-
crease amounting to $141,046 in the suburban districts.

In keeping with the nationwide movement to encourage planting of
Victory Gardens, the Public Utilities Commission by resolution on Janu-
ary 25, 1943, and amended June 28, 1943, authorized special rates ap-
plicable to water used for such gardens within the limits of the city.

The plan provided for a total credit for the season equivalent to 15
cents per 100 cubic feet for a volume of water equal to a 2-foot depth
over an area not less than 100 square feet actually planted to vege-
tables; no applications to be accepted after December 31, 1943, and no
credits applied after March 1, 1944.

Through the year, applications covering a total area of approxi-
mately 293 acres were received for these special rates, the number of
allowances made was 25,958 and the value of credits applied to bills
amounted to $38,372.27.

By resolution of the Public Utilities Commission, on September 16,
1943, a 15 per cent reduction in water rates was ordered, effective De-
cember 1, 1943, for domestic, commercial, industrial and other uses
within the limits of the City and County of San Francisco.

This rate reduction will result in the saving to consumers of approxi-
mately $1,000,000 per year.

Restrictions of the War Production Board practically stopped all new
home construction and imposed severe limitations on main extensions.
The number of active consumer accounts in San Francisco increased
to 129,107 a gain of 1515 for the past year, as compared with a gain of
1038 for the preceding year.

Eight hundred and ten new service connections were installed, which
approximates the 829 installed during the previous year.

Less than two miles of new mains were added to the distribution
system in the city as compared to nearly six miles for 1942.

Existing transmission and distribution facilities continue to be taxed
to capacity to meet the increase in consumption in the higher level
districts.

The newly constructed Baden and Alemany pumping plants and the
44-inch crosstown line can, temporarily, take care of normal increases
in these districts by augmenting present deliveries from San Andres
reservoir with water pumped from Crystal Springs.

In connection with increased storage for the higher level districts,
the War Production Board denied, in 1942, a preference rating for the
construction of a new tank at Forest Hill. However, acting on a re-
quest for reconsideration, the board on June 30, 1943, granted an ade-
quate priority rating.

The tank, a prestressed reinforced concrete structure with a ca-
pacity of 300,000 gallons, is now under construction and should be
completed early in the year.

To permanently relieve those higher level districts a construction
program has been laid out. The plan calls for a new San Andres
reservoir outlet shaft and tunnels; a new 60-inch pipe line from this
tower to Sunset reservoir and a new reservoir in Sutro Forest, with
connecting pipe lines.

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Although funds are available for the construction of the first unit,
the San Andres outlet shaft and tunnels, the limited preference rating
from the War Production Board was so severe as to preclude under-
taking the work last year. However, under date of October 16, 1943,
the Board, after reconsideration, granted an adequate rating, and plans
and specifications are being prepared for the construction of the shaft
and tunnels. Bids will be called for at an early date. Lands and rights
of way for this construction have been acquired.

The construction of the Lake Merced Auxiliary Steam Pumping Plant
for which the electorate, on June 9, 1942, approved a bond issue of
$1,250,000 to finance the project, is still in abeyance. Under date of
July 15, 1942, the War Production Board declined to recommend a
preference rating on account of the amount of critical material involved
in the project. A new application has been submitted to the Board, for
reconsideration, and the question of an adequate rating is still under
discussion.

Strategic points of the water system continued to be policed through-
out the year. The State Guard was assigned this work and carried
on until June 4, when the last of the guard was withdrawn and re-
placed by civilian guards of the Department.

Officials and employees of the Department continued to take an ac-
tive part in the city's Civilian Defense organization, to maintain and
to protect the water supply in any emergency. Repair supplies and
equipment are located at established centers throughout the city. All
Water Department crews in Alameda and San Mateo counties are or-
ganized to report to their respective headquarters in the event of any
wartime requirement.

Due to the demands of the military and the high wages paid in
industry, it was increasingly difficult to maintain the required per-
sonnel and to secure temporary employees for the necessary seasonal
work.

Eighty-two Water Department employees are now in the military
service of their country.

The past winter's rainfall on the Peninsula watersheds was approxi-
mately 8 per cent below normal, while at Calaveras it was 21 per cent
below normal. However, at the end of the runoff season all reservoirs
were near the point of overflowing.

During the first seven months of this year the Hetch Hetchy system
delivered an average of 37 million gallons daily, most of which was
used as an emergency precaution to maintain a maximum practicable
storage in Crystal Springs reservoir or to supply suburban consumers
served direct from the Bay Crossing pipe lines during periods of ex-
cessive turbidity of Calaveras water.

Local storage at the close of 1943 was approximately 42 billion gal-
lons, or the equivalent of 500 days' supply.

A resume of the financial results of the city's operation of the Water
Department from March 3, 1930, to December 31, 1943, shows a gross
income of $99,720,335 and operating expenses of $58,222,081. The net
income of $41,498,254 was used for:

Contribution to general funds for Hetch Hetchy

bond interest and redemption $12,250,100

Contribution to Hetch Hetchy System 3,785,702

Redemption of Water Bonds 17,564,094

Additions and Betterments 7,161,718

Surplus and Miscellaneous 736,640

In addition to this net income the Water Department has furnished
water free of charge to various other city departments to the amount
of $5,689,552 and through a series of rate reductions, has saved water
consumers $8,800,000, as compared to rates under the former private
ownership.

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Hetch Hetchy Water Supply, Power and Utilities Engineering Bureai

The Hetch Hetchy Water Supply, Power and Utilities Engineering
Bureau has complete charge, under the Public Utilities Commissior
of the Hetch Hetchy water supply and power system, and performs
engineering services as required for the Municipal Railway and Sar
Francisco Airport. During the year 1943 most of its activities outside
the field of routine operation and maintenance have arisen from one
phase or another of wartime necessity, as noted in the following pars
graphs on the several utilities.

Hetch Hetchy Water Supply.

October 18, 1943, completed the ninth year of service of the Hetcl
Hetchy Water Supply in delivering Tuolumne River water into the Sar
Francisco system for local storage and distribution. As in previous
recent years, the quantity of water delivered to the Water Department
during the year 1943 was below the average of the nine-year period, be
cause of better-than-average rainfall conditions causing the local water
sheds to contribute a larger part of the total water requirement. Under
a Raker Act provision, the city may not divert beyond the limits of the
San Joaquin Valley more water than is necessary, in addition to the
supply from local sources, for the domestic and other municipal pur-
poses of the city and any municipalities or water districts associated
with it in the use of water. Therefore, the Crystal Springs reservoir,
which receives the flow of the Hetch Hetchy aqueduct, is not main-
tained constantly full, but is drawn down by a few feet during the
latter months of each calendar year to develop capacity to retain the
winter and spring runoff from the adjacent watershed.

The field activities of the Hetch Hetchy Water Supply were, as ir
1942, limited almost entirely to operation, maintenance and protection
of the works, and surveys for future extensions. Wartime restrictions
on procurement of materials, with limitations on labor supply, pre-
vented undertaking any new construction work.

In the suit of Transbay Construction Company against the city for
additional payment for the enlargement of O'Shaughnessy Dam under
Water Supply Contract No. 149, which the United States District Court
had decided in favor of the contractor, the United States Circuit Court
of Appeals reversed the District Court decision, and the Supreme Court
refused a writ of certiorari.

Surveys and planning for the Cherry River development, begun in
1940, were further prosecuted in 1943, so far as the limited manpower
available in office and field would permit. It is hoped that this project
will be accepted as a major item of the city's share in post-war work.

The Coast Range tunnel section, which extends twenty-five miles
from the San Joaquin Valley to Alameda Creek, was inspected from
end to end by a party of engineers of this bureau, and the concrete
lining was found to be in first-class condition throughout. Such an
inspection is a matter of annual routine, but this time it was of more
than usual interest on account of the occurrence, a few weeks earlier,
of a series of earthquake shocks which were sharply felt in the region
from Livermore to San Jose. This section of tunnel, on account of the
geologic formations through which it passes, is considered more sus-
ceptible to earthquake damage than any other part of the Hetch Hetchy
aqueduct, and it is gratifying to report that no evidence of any such
damage has been detected.

The Hetch Hetchy Water Supply was able to assist during the year in
affording relief to some of the cities whose water supply plants have
become overloaded due to wartime expansion of population. A section,
14.7 miles in length, of the Corral Hollow pipe line, which was not in
use and without any prospect of being put in use by the city in the
near future, and some pump station equipment that was to have been
used in connection with the pipe line, were sold to the Federal Works
Agency, which parceled out these items to three hard-pressed cities.

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Other equipment was sold for use in a navy yard and in plants pro-
ducing material for war use.

Hetch Hetchy Power.

A new market for the output of the city's two power plants material-
ized this year. The aluminum reduction plant at Riverbank, power
for which had been contracted last year, was completed. Delivery of
energy began in April, with a second unit doubling the load in Sep-
tember. The third and final unit has been installed but not yet placed
in service.

This plant, owned by Defense Plant Corporation, was built by and is
operated by the Aluminum Company of America, producing aluminum
for the war effort. The two units now in operation supply sufficient
load to utilize the capacity of the Hetch Hetchy power plants, plus a
minor amount of supplementary energy purchased from the Pacific Gas
and Electric Company over the city's transmission lines. However, the
second unit was not ready by July 1, when a District Court injunction
was to go into effect banning delivery of our surplus energy to the
power company. Under the circumstances, the city obtained a stay of
execution of this order for another year, thus permitting the marketing
of this surplus energy in the interim.

Hetch Hetchy power is now being utilized to the fullest extent in
the war effort. Plans should be made for marketing our power after
the cessation of hostilities, as continued operation of this aluminum
plant is not assured. The raw material (alumina) used comes from
eastern refineries, with a long haul that places the Riverbank product
in an unfavorable competitive position for the reduced post-war busi-
ness. Efforts were made to obtain W.P.B. approval for a refinery to
develop California aluminum-bearing clays, but without success. The
problem of a permanent market for Hetch Hetchy power is still to be
solved.

Energy production was normal during the year, except for an acci-
dent when a Navy plane flew into the high voltage transmission lines,
causing appreciable damage and interruption to power service. The
Navy Department was willing but legally unable to reimburse the city
for the damages incurred. The city's claim has been presented to
Congress by Representative Richard Welch in Bill HR 3590.

Efforts were continued during the year to interest Federal agencies
in aiding in the construction of the Red Mountain Power Plant.
Scarcity of critical materials has been the principal reason for delay-
ing work on this project.

Municipal Railway Engineering.

The Utilities Engineering Bureau furnished plans, specifications and
inspection for some reconstruction and replacement work and painting
on the Geary Street car barn, and for construction of a small waiting
station.

This bureau also furnished cost estimates, appraisals, studies of
operating revenues and expenses, and exhibits necessary in connection
with the proposal that the city acquire the Market Street Railway
Company property; and later prepared exhibits for use in connection
with the Office of Defense Transportation proposal for the re-routing
and curtailment of service of street cars and buses.

Airport Engineering.

The bureau designed and supervised airport construction work per-
formed at city expense, the principal items of which were additions
and improvements to the administration building, a small but impor-
tant piece of road and bridge construction, and the installation of a
new beacon on the control tower. Similar engineering service was
rendered at the request and expense of the United Air Lines Transport
Corporation in connection with the further development of their west-

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ern operations base on land leased from the city, the initial construc-
tion of which was completed in 1942. The Army has added to the taxi-
way system. The Navy is building a naval air transport station on
land north of the Coast Guard Air Station and the seaplane harbor
taken from the city under condemnation. The engineers of this bureau
have collaborated in this Army and Navy work by furnishing infor
mation as to ground conditions and surveys. Plans and estimates have
been made, in consultation with or at the request of the Airport Man
ager, relating to the proposed ultimate development of the airport and
to the much-desired relocation of Bayshore Highway passing the air
port.

Treasure Island.

This bureau has furnished cost estimates and plans to the Public
Utilities Commission and the Airport Department for use in discussion
and negotiations with federal officials in the endeavor to reach a fair
settlement in the matter of Treasure Island.

Bureau of Light, Heat and Power.

The effect of the war has been severely felt by the Bureau of Light,
Heat and Power. Because of the scarcity of strategic materials, few
additions have been made to the street lighting system, while the re-
strictions on lighting have materially hampered efficient use of exist-
ing facilities. The resulting inconvenience to the public and the in-
creased number of accidents have been of great concern to the depart-
ment. The lifting of the dimout on November 1, 1943, has to a degree
improved the condition, as certain lights previously inoperative have
been put back into service and the dimout shields on others are being
removed as far as available manpower and other limitations permit.
Thus there were 24,053 street lights in service at the close of the year,
an increase of 174 over the previous year, while 871 lights still remain
out on account of war restrictions.

Use of gas and electricity for light, heat and power has greatly in-
creased during the year. Most of the increase must be attributed to
various war activities, such as the Board of Education's war production
and marine training program, civilian defense and rationing. Various
governmental agencies and the armed forces have occupied much mu-
nicipal property and continue to secure utility services through exist-
ing facilities, sharing the cost with the city. The city has been reim-
bursed for this cost through the efforts of this bureau, which collects
from the federal agencies in the name of the affected department.

The war has thus added many functions to this department, but It
has also limited others. Expansion of the street lighting system to
meet the city's growth has been impossible, due to lack of necessary
materials. When the war is over or when these materials are available
for civilian use, much work must be done to provide again adequate
and safe street lighting for our citizens, as has been the practice in
San Francisco.

San Francisco Airport.

As the world-wide air war now being waged continued through an-
other year, the paramount importance of the swift movement of men
and supplies continued to manifest itself as a dominant factor in mod-
ern warfare. Correspondingly, the importance of adequate aircraft
operational bases likewise assumed greater importance. That the citi-
zens of San Francisco have provided such a base is substantiated by
the fact that the San Francisco Airport has been utilized continuously
for military aircraft operations as an integral base for flights to and
from all parts of the world. Although specific information concerning
the extent to which the San Francisco Airport is being utilized for
military purposes cannot be divulged at this time, it can be stated that
military aircraft operations durings the past year more than doubled

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r,
u

I

those of the previous calendar year, and that the operations conducted
included various types of aircraft ranging from the small fast fighters
frequently seen over San Francisco to the great four-engined air trans-
ports which gross some 65,000 pounds when loaded for trans-Pacific
passenger and cargo services.

The Federal Government through the various aeronautical branches
of the Civil Aeronautics Administration has provided and operates ex-
tensive facilities at the San Francisco Airport which are required for
the safe and efficient operation of military and civil aircraft. These
include the radio range station, intercontinental communication sys-
tem control office, weather bureau, airport and airway traffic control
facilities, all of which form an integral part of this great air network
under development throughout the world.

Although statistics on scheduled air carrier activities indicate sub-
stantial increases, the upward trend that prevailed before the outbreak
of war has been held up temporarily due to the lack of air carrier
equipment. This shortage of air carrier equipment developed early
during the war when the government found it necessary to take over
approximately 50 per cent of the air carriers' airplanes for more urgent
needs, but toward the close of the year the shortage was slightly allevi-
ated when the government returned some of the airplanes to air car-
riers for essential air mail operations. The traffic tabulation is as
follows:

Comparison with
Total for 191,2 — Increase

19J(8 or Decrease

Passengers (in and out) 235,000 Plus 5 per cent

Air Mail Poundage (on only) .. .3,825,000 Plus 92 per cent

Air Express Pounds (on only).. 378,000 Minus 2 per cent
Scheduled Planes (in and out).. 13,000 Minus 26 per cent

Domestic air carrier operations records indicate that the revenue
passenger load factor of schedules operating in and out of the San
Francisco Airport ranked with the highest throughout the United
States.

Statistics also disclosed that the operating efficiency of scheduled air
carriers, including United Air Lines Transport Corporation and Trans-
continental and Western Air, Inc., were among the highest in the
United States. Although no comparative tabulation is available from
other airports at this time, we should be proud of the fact that of some
13,000 scheduled arrivals and departures, 12,740 were completed for an
actual operating percentage of 98 per cent. It is doubtful whether any
other major city's air terminal can produce such an efficient record,
and with San Francisco situated in such a strategic location in regard
to future trans-oceanic air carrier operations, we may well look for-
ward to the future for a tremendous expansion in air transportation.

Already, the number of civilian employees based at the San Fran-
cisco Airport, employed by lessees for aeronautical activities, has in-
creased considerably, and at the close of the year, more than 1600 em-
ployees were receiving salaries totaling in excess of $4,000,000 annually.
Further increases appear inevitable as the plans of many of the largest
interests in domestic and international air commerce are revealed.

Both United Air Lines and Trancontinental and Western Air, Inc.,
two of the four largest domestic air carrier organizations in the United
States, have signed long-term property and operation leases with the
city. In addition thereto, Western Air Lines recently received author-
ization from the Civil Aeronautics Board to operate in competition with
United Air Lines between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and is nego-
tiating with the city for space for the services they plan to inaugurate
at an early date. The international aspect of the great future of the
airport is definitely assured by the fact that a huge $3,500,000 Pan
American Airways System trans-Pacific operations base is now under
construction there. Upon completion of these facilities, Pan American

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Airways System will move from their Treasure Island base to this new
location. Some 1000 employees will be involved in the relocation which
will provide Pan American Airways with both landplane and seaplane
facilities.

The Matson Navigation Company has made application to the Civil
Aeronautics Board for permission to inaugurate trans-Pacific air ser-
vice between San Francisco and the Hawaiian Islands. That the Mat-
son Navigation Company has recognized the advantages that the land
and seaplane facilities of the San Francisco Airport offer can be sub-
stantiated by the fact that this organization purchased property imme-
diately adjacent to the San Francisco Airport for their proposed devel-
opment of facilities, and plans to use the airport for its practical opera-
tions.

San Francisco Airport, developed by San Franciscans for peacetime
air transportation, has proved a good investment of tremendous value
to our protection and to the war effort, and, in addition, serves as the
base of operations for the greatest concentration of air carrier opera-
tions on the Pacific Coast. We may well look forward to the post-war
era when the present facilities of the airport and the air carriers will
undoubtedly undergo a tremendous expansion for the accommodation
of passengers and cargo to and from all parts of the world. Far greater
use and extensive development of the airport is inevitable.

PARK COMMISSION

The Park Department, under the jurisdiction of the Park Commis-
sion, includes in addition to Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Zoo-
logical Gardens, Lincoln, Harding and Sharp Park Golf Courses, Yacht
Harbor, Aquatic Park, Fleishhacker Playfield, McLaren Park and fifty-
three smaller parks and squares, affording every district of our city a
well-kept recreational unit.

Park Department operations for the past year, in compliance with
the wartime policy of deferring construction work, have been confined,
for the most part, to maintenance and rehabilitation. Roads and paths
have been repaved and park buildings and convenience stations re-
paired; the usual maintenance of trees and shrubs has continued and
new lawn and meadow areas have been planted.

Children's Playground, Golden Gate Park, was completely rehabili-
tated and transformed into a most colorful and attractive recreational
area. The addition of a miniature model farm and the acquisition of
the merry-go-round heretofore operated by a concessionaire, proved
popular with the children, greatly increasing the attendance.

Interest and participation in the Victory Garden program was stimu-
lated by the Park Commission by the creation of three model gardens
to serve as a guide for the participants in this activity. Approximately
400 garden plots were laid out in Golden Gate Park and turned over to
the general public for the growing of vegetables. The Victory Garden
program met immediate and enthusiastic response from the public.
Due to the wartime shortage of fresh vegetables the Park Department
established its own vegetable garden in Balboa Park and provided the
Park restaurants and the San Francisco Zoological Gardens with this
commodity.

Boating was resumed at Stow Lake and proved popular. Fleish-
hacker Pool was reopened to the public after a year of Army occupa-
tion and enjoyed a successful season.

The Park Commission cooperated with the War Department in fur-
thering the war effort by leasing to the United States Army sixteen
separate parcels of park property for military installations and pur-
poses.

The Civic Center was made available to the San Francisco War
Council for the purpose of building barracks to provide needed over-
night accommodations for the armed forces, presently guests of San
Francisco.

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General attendance of all the parks and squares under the jurisdic-
tion of the Park Commission increased beyond all expectations and
has been estimated to have more than doubled the attendance of recent
years. This large increase in attendance no doubt can be attributed,
in part, to reduced travel and increased population.

RECREATION COMMISSION

The Recreation Department, operating 120 units during 1943, faced
many new problems brought about by war conditions.

Many of the trained experienced workers were called into the armed
forces, causing a constant turnover in personnel and necessitating the
employment of inexperienced people for whom in-service training
courses were conducted.

The youth problem, the opening of large housing projects, and the
influx of thousands of service men into the city demanded a widened
scope of recreational activities.

The Directors-at-Large, through their program of recreational coun-
seling and guidance, have alleviated important aspects of the youth
problem. 'Teen-age dances were held weekly at twelve Recreation Cen-
ters throughout the city. In addition to the regularly conducted units
of forty-eight playgrounds and centers and twenty-eight schoolyards,
eight 'Teen-age Centers were provided for in sections of the city where
there were no other recreational facilities, for the purpose of estab-
lishing supervised places for the 'teen-age youth of the neighborhood
to meet and plan their own activities, both social and athletic.

The Annual Christmas program held in the Civic Auditorium pre-
sented Christmas carols and tableaux by 300 children from the San
Francisco playgrounds and a physical fitness demonstration by 200 boys
from the physical fitness classes held weekly in the fifteen evening
gymnasiums supervised by the Recreation Department.

The Department took over the supervision of recreation at the
Sunnydale, Valencia Gardens, and Hunter's Point Housing Projects.
The centers at Hunter's Point provided recreation for three dormitory
units which house 1500 single men and women, both negro and white,
and three family units, one of 500 families, one of 550 families, and
one of 950 families, both negro and white. Another family unit, hous-
ing 2200, is under construction.

An expansive program of recreation was conducted for service men
and women. Gymnasiums and athletic fields were placed at their dis-
posal, and athletic leagues conducted for them. The Department's
swimming pools became centers for swimming and life-saving classes
for the Army, Navy and Coast Guard. Service men's dances were held
several evenings a week at the Century Club and numerous parties were
given at the three service men's centers sponsored by the Recreation
Department. Several hundred junior hostesses were furnished for
dances held monthly at Treasure Island. The Photography Center was
moved from Seventh and Bryant Streets to larger quarters at 1254
Market Street, to accommodate the great number of service men inter-
ested in photography.

About 500 children a week participated in the activities at the Junior
Museum, which were geared to helping the war effort. Scale aircraft
models were constructed for use by the Army and Navy in training
men in aircraft recognition. More than 30,000 children, from five to
fifteen years of age, cultivated Victory Gardens, both at the Junior
Museum and playgrounds throughout the city. Children in the handi-
craft classes were instructed in making useful gifts which were sent to
service men through the Junior Red Cross. The Department also co-
operated with the Red Cross in establishing classes in nutrition and
home nursing.

In addition to the swimming activities for service men, 91,699 chil-
dren were instructed throughout the year in all phases of swimming
and life-saving. The Recreation Department cooperated with the School

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Department in conducting classes for the children from the junior and
senior high schools.

In cooperation with the public schools and the Department of Health,
the Recreation Department participated in the organization of the first
Day Care Center to be opened in San Francisco, and supervised this
center during the summer vacation.

During the summer twenty-four schoolyards were supervised on a
full-time basis in addition to the regularly supervised grounds.

War conditions necessarily brought about revisions in the adult rec-
reation program. However, athletic tournaments were successfully
conducted in the gymnasiums and athletic fields. With the lifting of
the dimout regulations, night lighted playgrounds were reopened and
were crowded nightly.

The Midsummer Musicals held on Sunday afternoons throughout the
summer in Sigmund Stern Grove drew the largest crowds in the his-,
tory of the concerts, with more than 145,000 music-loving San Fran-
ciscans in attendance.

Camp Mather, despite food and gasoline rationing, opened as usual
and was filled to capacity throughout the season — providing restful
vacations for 17,288 San Franciscans.

A start was made on the survey of the Ike Dye Homestead, located
about five and one-half miles west of Camp Mather, to determine the
feasibility of establishing a children's camp.

General maintenance and repair work was carried on with consider-
able difficulty due to delays in obtaining necessary materials and the
turnover in maintenance personnel. Baseball and Softball diamonds
on all the playgrounds were regraded during the year.

The budget for 1943-1944 showed an increase over last year's budget
of $31,913, of which $22,700 was allotted for the Hunter's Point centers.
An additional appropriation of $41,790 from the Emergency Reserve
Fund was granted to provide the money necessary for the establish-
ment and operation of eight 'teen-age centers.

The foregoing list of activities indicates the well-rounded program
carried on by the Recreation Department during 1943, with the physical
activities, including swimming, physical fitness groups and athletics;
the cultural activities of music, drama and dance; the athletic and
social program for service men.

A more detailed account of the Department's activities is contained
in the annual report of the Commission for the fiscal year ended June
30, 1943.

CITY PLANNING COMMISSION

The City Planning Department is now well organized and function-
ing smoothly as an important part of the machinery of government in
San Francisco. The time and effort of the Commission and its tech-
nical staff are being devoted largely to the preparation of a Master
Plan. This is the primary duty of the Department, according to the
Charter. It is a responsibility assigned to no other agency in the City
and County of San Francisco.

Funds.

The pi*ogress which the Commission now reports has been made pos-
sible by generous budget allotments. The Department was given $109,-
502 during the fiscal year 1942-43 but turned back $32,795.98 unspent.
Sound policies govern expenditures. No commitments will be made
beyond those contributing directly to the efficient and economical
administration of the Department and the advancement of the Master
Plan.

Personnel.

Limitations of manpower have been a major handicap during the
year. Established positions and available funds would permit employ-
ment of a technical and clerical staff of 20, but the maximum number

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on the payroll during the year was 18. The normal employment has
been about 14, of which 10 are technicians. Because of military ser-
vice, resignations, and the residence restrictions of the Charter, well-
trained and experienced city planners have been difficult both to find
and to hold.

Traffic Improvements.

The initial phases of the program of traffic improvement inaugurated
last year were completed with the elimination of parking on Market
and Mission Streets. The flow of wartime traffic in the congested area
has been greatly improved by introduction of a simple system of one-
way streets, elimination of standing vehicles on certain important
routes and control of left turns. The return of a normal volume of
automobile traffic and its attendant congestion, however, will place
new responsibilities upon the city. More systematic study of circula-
tion problems will be required; comprehensive fully-coordinated plans
for further improvement of traffic conditions must be ready for execu-
tion.

Zoning.

This Department has the duty of checking all Health, Police, Fire
and Building permits against the zone plan. This service in the pro-
tection of community standards and property values has been of less
immediate importance, however, due to wartime limitations on build-
ing. Only 15 applications for rezoning were received during the year.
Of these five were approved by the Commission, eight were disapproved,
two were withdrawn. One disapproval was overruled by the Board of
Supervisors, one was upheld. Continuing experience with zoning admin-
istration, however, indicates the pressing necessity of modernizing the
ordinance which establishes standards for property development and
use in this City. The limited and precious land resources of San Fran-
cisco constitute the base for its industrial and other economic activities,
its homes and general pattern of living, and also its supporting tax
revenues. This base deserves better protection than it has under the
present zoning ordinance.

Shoreline Report.

The first of a series of Master Plan studies, a report on Shoreline
Development, was published in September. This is not the Master Plan
of the city, but it does represent a step toward the development of such
a plan. It indicates the process of analysis by which a Master Plan
will be developed and suggests a number of improvement projects that
may be worthy of incorporation into the final Plan.

Public Works.

A new report on Public Works is being prepared for publication. This
will be a compilation and analysis of construction projects proposed to
date by other city departments. The total estimated cost of these im-
provements will approach 300 million dollars. In the absence of a
completed Master Plan these lists must be given consideration as the
only available basis for a post-war public works program.

Master Plan.

A long list of construction projects, regardless of their individual or
collective merit, does not constitute a Master Plan. It represents at
best a patchwork of ideas rather than a clear concept of the future
city. Work is going ahead on a comprehensive, coordinated scheme of
civic improvements based upon careful, scientific study of growth
trends and an evaluation of present and prospective needs. A firm
foundation for the Master Plan is being laid now by thorough study of
population shifts and the uses of land in the city. In this effort the

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records compiled by several survey and research projects of the WPA
are being used. A report of the findings and conclusions of this in-
quiry will be published next year. As fundamental questions of land
use and population are clarified, more rapid progress can be made in
the establishment of objectives and the incorporation of necessary and
desirable improvements into a comprehensive plan.

The Future of San Francisco.

The Commission has been gratified by the warm and generous citizen
support given its work during the year. Many civic and improvement
clubs have offered aid. The local chapter of the American Institute of
Architects has appointed an advisory committee to work with the staff
of the Commission. The San Francisco Planning and Housing Associa-
tion has stimulated the reorganization of the Citizens Master Plan
Committee, which promises to be of great value in formulating policies
related to the Master Plan.

Cooperation with public agencies has been satisfactory. The San
Francisco Housing Authority has indicated a commendable desire to
work directly with this Commission in the development of post-war
plans for the removal and improvement of war housing and the rebuild-
ing of slums and blighted areas.

The growing interest of the people in the work of this Department
spells progress for San Francisco. The need for a Master Plan is
understood; its value to the city becomes more evident as the uncer-
tainties of the post-war period are considered. It will be an essential
instrument in the development of the grand strategy by which this city
prepares to meet the crisis of demobilization and the shift from war to
peacetime activity.

BOARD OF PERMIT APPEALS

The Board of Permit Appeals is comparable to the Small Claims
Court, inasmuch as appeals can be taken from the various departments
and commissions having granting and revoking power, with regard to
permits and licenses, without any cost whatever. There are five mem-
bers appointed to sit as an appellate court with regard to permits and
licenses, although the members of this Board are laymen. It is their
duty, when matters are appealed to them, to hear both sides and make
their decisions.

On numerous occasions, appeals were taken where a permit or license
was denied, due to a minor infraction of the law. While this Board has
not the power to authorize anyone to violate any laws, in many in-
stances methods were suggested by which minor changes could be
made so that the appellant would be conforming with our laws and
the permit granted.

During the year 124 appeals were heard. These were taken from
actions by the following officials and departments: Public Works
Department, 117 actions, of which 14 were concurred in and 103 were
overruled; Health Department, three actions, of which two were con-
curred in and one overruled; Police Department, one action, same being
concurred in; two actions in which the Board held it had no juris-
diction and five rehearings were granted.

Many of the matters heard and decided by this Board concerned the
United States Government in its essential war activities and housing
problems, for which the Board found a legal solution and advised a
helpful method of assisting the Government.

A recent decision by the State Supreme Court upheld the discretion-
ary power of the Board in denying a permit, relative to San Francisco
home owners.

The work of the office is up to date with no matters pending at
the end of the current year. It is the aim of this department to dispose
of causes before it as rapidly as possible.

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WAR MEMORIAL

The War Memorial of San Francisco, consisting of the Veterans'
Building, the Opera House, and the Art Museum, is the most outstand-
ing memorial to deceased war veterans.

The management and operation of these buildings is vested in the
War Memorial Board of Trustees of the City and County of San F'ran-
cisco.

The San Francisco Opera House is the only municipally owned build-
ing of its kind in the United States; the Veterans' Building is the most
pretentious home ever built for the exclusive use of veterans of wars
in which our country has participated, while the Museum of Art at-
tracts a large attendance at their exhibits.

Music lovers of San Francisco appreciate the magnificent Opera
House, which is the headquarters of the cultural life of the city. The
veteran organizations make advantageous use of the facilities afforded
them in the Veterans' Building.

Students of art recognize the fine Museum which occupies the entire
fourth floor of the Veterans' Building.

Numerous patriotic programs have been presented in the Opera House
and Veterans' Building during the past year. No opera season has been
more successful or outstanding than the Grand Opera Season of 1943.

The president of the War Memorial Board of Trustees during 1943
was Claudius A. Marckley.

ART COMMISSION

"Music maintains morale — music must go on." As the first city
in the United States to support municipal music, San Francisco has
accepted her wartime duties of leadership. With the above slogan as
one of the most potent aids to morale, civil, and military, the Art
Commission has devoted its time and efforts to the offering of good
music, not only to the citizens of San Francisco, but to the tens of
thousands of men and women in the Armed Forces of the United
States.

The Art Commission, under whose jurisdiction the City of San
Francisco presents municipal music embracing the San Francisco Sym-
phony, the Municipal Chorus and the Municipal Band, has never
limited its programs to a restricted few but has presented the beauty
and inspiration of music appealing to every man, woman and child.

In 1943, the Symphony Concerts presented at the Civic Auditorium
and the season of Russian Ballet at the Opera House were given to an
audience of 85,000 persons. It has been a source of gratification to this
Commission to compare this record-breaking number with the 9000
attendance of just seven years ago.

The advance season sale of the Art Commission's series closed with a
sale of $13,467 as compared with the previous year's sale of $11,200
and $7,913 for 1942. The first Art Commission concert of the season,
given on November 24, 1943, with Leopold Stokowski as guest con-
ductor of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, drew an attendance
of 8720. This represents the largest number ever present at a sym-
phony concert in this city. The advance sales for the Ballet Theatre
to date, almost two months before the performance, is 50 per cent
greater than the advance sales of one year ago.

It has been the policy of the Art Commission to provide free admit-
tance to the men and women serving in the armed forces of the United
States to all concerts, ballets, and attractions. Even though concerts
are sold out, accommodations are made for the Army, Navy, and
Marine personnel.

Of particular significance was the Commission's offering of Brahms'
"Requiem" with the San Francisco Symphony and the Municipal
Chorus on Pearl Harbor Day. This concert was presented free of charge

( 41)

in memoriam of the Allied dead and was attended by six thousand who
reverently paid homage to our hallowed heroes, "who have given the
last full measure of devotion."

During the past year, the Municipal Band and Municipal Orchestra
were assigned 68 performances devoted exclusively to the entertain-
ment of the men and women in the armed forces of the United States.
These concerts were given at such places as the Hospitality House, Fort
Miley Hospital, Naval Hospital, Treasure Island, Stage Door Canteen,
and various Army and Navy Camps in San Francisco and its environs.
It is estimated that approximately 154,000 persons attended and enjoyed
these performances. Many letters have been received expressing deep
appreciation to the Art Commission for the splendid type of entertain-
ment given, which means so much to the morale of the men and women
in the service.

In the coming year, the Art Commission will continue to carry on
its policy of good music within the reach of all — with confidence in
victory, the assurance of ultimate peace, and the realization that music
will re-build what war has destroyed. For after all — war does not last
forever, but music does.

Today, the Art Commission is giving study to the tremendous post-
war plans that will confront the City of San Francisco. Whatever the
blueprints may be, there will be included public buildings, bridges,
parks, platting of public ways, monuments, works of art — in fact, all
structures erected on property belonging to the City of San Francisco.
All these will come under the jurisdiction of the Art Commission for
approval, as specified in the city Charter. To this group of architects,
artists, and laymen of distinction, will be the responsibility that ugli-
ness does not creep in, and that the beauty, charm, and color of San
Francisco will be carried out on a scale of grandeur that will not only
be a credit and achievement to the city that has built them, but a proud
heritage for our future generations.

M. H. de YOUNG MEMORIAL MUSEUM

The year 1943 stands out as one of the best the Museum has ever had
as far as attendance is concerned. With 549,875 visitors through
December 12th, the record of the best peace year of 1939 (the year of
the Golden Gate International Exposition) is closely approached and
may well be exceeded by the actual end of the year. In view of war
conditions, which normally might be expected to reduce the number of
visitors, this is indeed a sign of the tremendous popularity of the
de Young Museum with the public.

Despite the fact that no spectacular shows of priceless old masters
could be arranged because of war risks, the Museum nevertheless suc-
ceeded in having significant and attractive exhibitions through the
year. Greatest event of 1943 was the exhibition "Meet the Artist," con-
taining self-portraits by American painters, cartoonists and comic strip
artists. The idea of the show, for which invitations were issued to
leading artists throughout the country, was hailed by them with gusto,
resulting in their wholehearted response. The exhibition received
nation-wide and most favorable publicity. It alone attracted almost
200,000 people during the time of its display. Outstanding also were
exhibitions of "Contemporary American Paintings," lent by the Uni-
versity of Arizona and "Contemporary British Art" assembled by the
British Consul. The series of comprehensive one-man shows was con-
tinued throughout the year and included such artists as Jean Chariot,
Victor Tischler, Prof. Chang Shu-Chi, Francis de Erdely and Jane Ber-
landina. Among the other exhibitions may be mentioned "Art of Fight-
ing China," Oriental Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Marcus, "Life
in the Service," and an exhibition of soldiers' work assembled by the
Museum, 16th and 18th Century Italian and Spanish Jewelry, several

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exhibitions of prints and photographs, the latter including "Our Navy
in Action" and the annual "Salon of the Photographic Society of
America."

Important acquisitions were again made by the de Young Endow-
ment Fund, notably paintings by George Romney, Phillip de Koninck
and Lucas Cranach. Other valuable items, including paintings, Staf-
fordshire Figurines, prints, drawings, costumes and South Sea Island
weapons, were added to the Museum's permanent collection through the
generosity of Mrs. M. C. Sloss, Mr. and Mrs. H. D. B. Soule, Mr. Victor
Tischler, Mr. Eugene Berman, the Federal Art Project, Mr. W. Sprott
Boyd and others.

The Educational Department has continued its program of special
courses for adults and children. The Saturday classes have been very
successful and will continue throughout the coming year.

THE CALIFORNIA PALACE OF THE LEGION OF HONOR

The Museum has again concluded a successful year, with the exhibi-
tions and educational activities gaining in popularity. Seventy-six
exhibitions, in comparison with fifty-three in 1942, have been held at
the Museum. The Educational Department has had an ever-increasing
attendance which has contributed 35,136 to the total attendance, which
was over 140,000.

Many generous donations have been made to the permanent collec-
tions of the Museum. In addition to the gifts made by benefactors who
have been actively interested in the Museum for many years, the
Museum deeply appreciates the gifts of those who have become new
donors in this past year.

Precautions in regard to the safeguarding of the building and its
contents during wartime, have been continued.

Loan Exhibitions.

The Museum presented five notable exhibitions which were brought
to San Francisco in their entirety and distributed throughout the year
to maintain a sustained interest. One of these was the large "Retro-
spective Exhibition of Paintings and Drawings by Charles Dana Gib-
son." Working models, based on the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci,
were assembled under the title "Leonardo, the First Modern." A com-
prehensive exhibition of "Twentieth Century Portraits" was held dur-
ing the summer. The progress of the United States under wartime
conditions was illustrated by photo-murals and supplementary material
in the timely and impressive exhibition, "Road to Victory," attended by
over 20,000 persons during a period of less than a month. To appeal
to other tastes, superb "Tapestries from the Fifteenth to the Eighteenth
Centuries" were exhibited during the month of August. In Septem-
ber, the Museum held a show of "Boxing and Wrestling in Art," which
was primarily composed of important American paintings and sculp-
ture and a fine collection of prints and drawings. Because San Fran-
cisco has been the scene of so many famous prize fights, a supplement
to this exhibition was arranged in a gallery of well-known fighters'
photographs, one of the largest collections of which is owned in this
city. The exhibition program also included the following large exhibi-
tions: Modern French Tapestries; American Artists, Past and Present;
Soldiers of Production; Master Drawings; The Collection of D. O.
Mills; Photographs of the San Francisco Fire by Arnold Genthe;
Marine Paintings by Leon Lundmark; Nineteenth French Painters;
Children in England Paint; National War Posters; Bronzes by Arthur
Putnam; Paintings from the Collection of Mr. Gordon Blanding;
Emblems of Unity and Freedom; Prints by Honore Daumier; Egypt,
Civilization's First Horizon; North Atlantic Patrol and Convoy Duty;
British Architecture; Action Photography; From Gericault to Renoir;
Painting and sculpture sponsored by the Society for Sanity in Art;

(43)

Faces and Places in Brazil, Photographs; Etchings by Francisco de
Goya; Children's Paintings from the Collection of Miss Fannie Brice;
Saints and Madonnas, an Exhibition of Religious Art; Illuminated
Gothic Woodcuts, and fifty-one other exhibitions.

Gifts and Contributions to the Museum.

Mr. H. K. S. Williams has continued his contributions to the Mildred
Anna Williams Collection, which is steadily becoming one of the finest
collections in the West. Because of this donor's unceasing generosity,
the following paintings were given to the Museum: "Sunday Morning,"
by Thomas Hovenden (1840-1895); "Portrait of Colonel Thomas Thorn-
ton," by George Romney (1734-1802) ; "Charles, 4th Duke of Richmond,"
by John Hoppner (1758-1810); "Joshua Henshaw," by John Singleton
Copley (1737-1815); "Rebecca at the Well," by Jean Jacques Henner
(1829-1905); "The Pension Agent," by Eastman Johnson (1824-1906);
"Borda de C'Allier," by Henri Harpignies (1819-1916); "Miss Summer-
ville," by Francis Cotes (1726-1770); "River Scene," by Leon Augustin
Lhermitte (1844-1925).

Outstanding among the Museum's supporters is Mrs. Adolph B.
Spreckels, who has again contributed generously and has made pos-
sible various social functions in the Museum for the benefit of the San
Francisco public and for new residents and the great transient popu-
lation of military personnel.

One of the most important gifts which has come to the Museum
is the Albert Campbell Hooper Collection. This collection contains
paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. The following is a list of the
paintings: "Portrait of a Man," by Anthony Van Dyck (1599-1641);
"Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery," by Anthony Van Dyck (1599-
1641); "William Sotheron," by George Romney (1734-1802); "Lady
Elizabeth Churchill," by John Hoppner (1758-1810); "Cottage Scene,"
by Isaac van Ostade (1621-1649) ; "Portrait of a Woman" and "Portrait
of a Man," by Nicolas Maes (1632-1693); "Ripperd van Groevendijk,"
and "Claudina van Groevendijk," by Paulus Moreelse (1571-1638);
"Jemima Saintsbury," by Thomas Beach (1738-1806); "Self-Portrait,"
by Cornelis Janssens van Ceulen (1593-1664); "Portrait of a Woman,"
by Quiryn Brekelenkam (1620-1669); "Landscape," by Jean Baptiste
Camille Corot (1796-1875); "Portrait of a Man," by Gonzalez Cocues
(1614-1684); 18th Century French Painting by an Unknown Artist;
"Portrait of a Women," by Gabriel Max (1840-1915); "Endymion,"
by Michel Francois d'Andre-Bardon (1700-1783); "Portrait of a Man,"
and "Portrait of a Woman," by Thomas de Keyser (1596/7-1667). The
collection also includes 98 pieces of European and Oriental porcelains;
28 pieces of French and English furniture; 39 pieces of silver and
many other items.

Other donors to the Museum were Florence Maria Ahlberg, Mrs.
William P. Reid and Miss Jean Scott Frickelton.

Educational Activities.

Indicative of the growing importance of this Museum in the cultural
life of the community is the 15 per cent increase in the educational
attendance over that of last year. Art appreciation courses, special
lectures and tours were conducted weekly for the adult public. Every
Saturday morning, children's art classes were carried out by the edu-
cational staff. Over 1500 children attended. Besides these classes,
special tours were arranged for children's groups. The educational
department continued its policy of presenting historically important
films every Saturday afternoon. Because of the enthusiastic response.
the educational department arranged special courses, given by authori-
ties, on the appreciation and historical evolution of the motion picture.
These courses were among the first on the subject to be presented by
any museum.

(44)

One of the new projects assumed by the educational department was
the creation of a children's museum. In this gallery, monthly exhibi-
tions were presented for the education and interest of children. Also
in this gallery, space has been turned over to children where they have
carried on museum work of their own.

New Publication.

In April, the Museum began publication of a Bulletin which each
month is devoted primarily to new acquisitions and to current activi-
ties. This Bulletin is circulated throughout the country to museums,
libraries, private galleries and public institutions, in addition to having
a subscription list of approximately two hundred. With the publication
of the Bulletin, in addition to the Handbook of the Museum's Collec-
tions which came out in 1942, nation-wide publicity has been gained.

Organ Recitals.

As has been customary, the Museum continues to present, every Sat-
urday and Sunday afternoons, organ recitals in the Sculpture Court.
These concerts continue to draw large crowds.

Civil Service.

On July 1, 1943, the Museum went under Civil Service, with the re-
sult that the duties of each position were clarified and a standardiza-
tion of salaries made.

It has been heartening to the Director and staff of the Museum to
arrange these many special exhibitions and correlated educational
activities when the response was so enthusiastic.

SAN FRANCISCO ART MUSEUM

War conditions have naturally been reflected in Museum policy dur-
ing the past year as in every phase of living in San Francisco. Utmost
care has been taken to adapt Museum functions and operation to the
times, while maintaining the essential and most fundamentally valu-
able and valued services a museum specializing in contemporary art
can give to its public and to the community in general. Thus, though
110 varied exhibitions ranging from one-man shows to national annuals
and headlined exhibitions reflecting activity of eastern art centers have
been presented, thoughtful planning and cooperative enterprise with
other western galleries have avoided adding to the heavy strain on
shipping facilities to this port expressage of large and bulky exhibi-
tions except when they could render multiple service to many art
publics in the West. The dim-out regulations naturally restricted some-
what the Museum's unique evening service to the community which
permits even those busy during the day with pressure of wartime
tasks to keep in touch with artistic currents of the times. However,
some galleries were always open and the most important exhibitions
always in them to be seen at all times, and the activities such as the
history of the movies and the studio sessions, so largely patronized by
servicemen as well as civilians, were continued.

Approximately a fourth of the exhibitions had some bearing on the
war, though the Museum's policy of insisting on an exhibition's relation-
ship to art quality was never forgotten. Again, in 1943, strong emphasis
was laid on exhibitions of contemporary art of Latin American coun-
tries in the belief that this is one helpful avenue, not complicated by
language barriers, by which the cultural character and aspirations of
our neighbors of the hemisphere can be grasped. By purchase and gift
the Museum's own collection in this field of contemporary art has grown
by half a dozen important items during the year. Much of this ma-
terial is used in circulating exhibitions carefully labeled and supplied

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with supplementary information which serve other communities as
well.

Among the interesting exhibitions of the year should be cited:

Oregon Artists — an invitational exhibition of a regional group, stress-
ing fine quality, and initiating a new museum policy of exploring art
of the United States by group shows;

Contemporary American Figure Paintings — proving that American
artists have achieved individual styles in the most exacting of art
expressions;

Paintings by Jan Schreuder — an original and gifted young artist of
Ecuador;

California Water color ists — a review of the year's work in this most
popular and expertly handled medium favored by California artists;

Contemporary Canadian Paintings — a survey of achievement in
Canada today;

Americans, 19'iS — A Museum of Modern Art review of one aspect of
our art; and

Marinship — work by artists in shipyards about the shipyard.

The international aspect was further stressed by exhibitions of
English watercolors and drawings, Latin American watercolors, draw-
ings and prints, photographs from Britain and China. The three
Annuals for the Art Association — an open opportunity for local artists
to show side by side with all who send in from outside the state —
were held as usual.

A new service to the community in line with modern museum prac-
tice of supplying general cultural and informational background for
art — which is simply the distilled expression of how people think, live
and adjust themselves to their environment — is the free "Know Your
World" program given every Saturday afternoon and repeated on Sun-
day. In carefully selected factual and instructional motion pictures,
mostly in color and sound, of a type that never appears in the commer-
cial theaters, programs centered successively on all parts of the world
were presented. Latin American material is featured the first week-end
in each month for the convenience of those specializing in this field.
The programs are patronized by teachers, students and men and women
eager to learn more about the ever smaller world through this modern
visual medium, and finding this type of instruction a valuable back-
ground for the exhibitions in the galleries. The programs are not
restricted to travelogues, but explore also techniques of art and other
aspects of contemporary life finding reflection in art. This program
will be further developed during 1944, for it represents the most modern
technique of museum activity, and an obvious extension of interest
for a museum of contemporary art like the San Francisco Museum of
Art.

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY

In accord with President Roosevelt's following message to librarians,
"In this war, we know, books are weapons. And it is a part of your
dedication always to make them weapons for man's freedom," the
library has geared itself to an all-out war effort to supply the armed
forces and war agencies with all available information from the
printed page.

Large and costly additions have been made to the already outstand-
ing collection of technical books. This collection, embracing such
classes as aeronautics, shipbuilding, welding, chemistry, etc., is prov-
ing of inestimable assistance to war industries in this vicinity.

This institution has been designated as the war information center
for this area by the United States Office of War Information for the

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purpose of supplying vital information to the army, navy, and other
governmental agencies. All government documents, publications and
releases which relate to the war effort are being received and are
available in the reference department. Timely displays of posters and
literature are maintained on the various bulletin boards. The numer-
ous and continuous requests from local governmental agencies are also
handled through this department.

There were approximately 63,000 books collected in San Francisco
during the second national Victory Book Campaign and the type of
reading material was far superior to that collected during the first
drive. All the books have been delivered to the army, navy, merchant
marine, Red Cross and U.S.O. Clubs.

The library system consists of the main library in the Civic Center,
twenty-one branches in the various sections of the city, and six deposit
stations in the outlying districts. The circulation of books for home
reading for the past fiscal year amounted to 2,511,610 volumes. This
total does not include the volumes used in the reference and reading
rooms of the library and it has been estimated if this amount were
included it would bring the total to over 6,000,000 volumes used.
During the year 36,473 borrowers were enrolled, making a total regis-
tration of 120,289. The number of books in the collection amounts to
539,838. This does not include thousands of unbound pamphlets or
the collections in the Max Kuhl and Phelan memorial rooms.

A regional institute, sponsored by the American Library Association,
to consider war and post-war library problems was held in the assembly
room on May 17th and 18th. Over one hundred and fifty persons
attended, representing libraries, schools, health and welfare depart-
ments, civilian defense agencies, Pacific relations and allied organiza-
tions.

The California Library Association also held the annual meeting of
the Bay districts on May 14th in the main library and about two hun-
dred librarians were present.

Through the City Planning Commission the library has applied for
the following post-war projects from the federal government: comple-
tion of the main library by adding the unfinished wing to provide suffi-
cient space for the rapidly growing book collection, seven branch
buildings to replace branches now inadequately housed in rented stores
and three other branch buildings for certain thickly populated districts
now without library facilities.

The only extension to the library system was the collection of books
installed at the Hunter's Point Housing Project to provide reading
matter for war workers. This is a general collection and consists of
approximately 5000 volumes.

To take care of the increased population in the Potrero district the
station has been completely renovated and a renewed collection of
5000 volumes installed.

The children's rooms at the main library and branches had a very
active year. During national Book Week in November an attractive
program was presented which included talks by authors and illus-
trators of children's books.

Among the many gifts received during the year was an extensive
collection of programs and autographed photographs from the estate of
Selby Oppenheimer. This is an outstanding collection and is an inter-
esting addition to the music department.

The Library Commission has invested the $14,000 on deposit with the
City Treasurer for United States Treasury bonds of 1950-52. This
money is from the Fuhrman fund and could not be spent wisely at the
present time for books on economic and political subjects as provided
under the terms of the bequest. The remaining $4,000 from the Phelan
Memorial fund was also invested in similar bonds.

The total budget for 1943/44 amounts to $486,695 and $52,300 from
this sum will be expended for books.

(47)

SAN FRANCISCO LAW LIBRARY

The management and maintenance of the Law Library for the past
fiscal year are similar in scope and character to that of the previous
year. The purchases made have been largely a continuation of reports,
statutes, digests, legal periodicals and texts heretofore acquired, and
the addition of all new legal publications appropriate to the require-
ments of the library and the needs of the legal profession.

Effort has been consistently made to limit purchases to strictly legal
material, and to some extent quasi-legal material. Purchases of foreign
legal material have been through necessity, limited mostly to continua-
tions of British legal material heretofore purchased by direction of the
board of trustees.

There are now on the shelves of the Law Library approximately.
117,000 volumes of legal material, consisting of text-books, statutes,
reported decisions, legal periodicals, citations and digests of all Amer-
ican States, British countries and dominions, and many other foreign
countries.

The library also carries all available war law service, War Labor
Board decisions, text-books on military and martial law, law of court
martial, decisions of the Judge Advocate General, court martial orders
relating to the Army and Navy, and the Federal regulations of the
various governmental boards and bureaus.

The present investment of the library, aside from operating expenses,
is $593,420.70. The present value is very much more, because of the
library's wealth of rare material in texts and statutes now out of print,
and largely unobtainable.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Wartime problems rooted in San Francisco's swollen population, its
predominant importance as a Pacific port of embarkation, and its
greatly increased industrial activity thrust themselves during 1943
upon the Chief Administrative Officer, whose principal duty under the
Charter is the supervision of fifteen city and county departments.

Overcrowded conditions in insanitary housing, particularly in the
so-called "Japtown" area, became one of the most acute local problems
of the year. Responsibility for abatement of the dangerous housing
situation rested under the law upon the Department of Public Health,
which is under the jurisdiction of the Chief Administrative Officer.

It became necessary to order unsafe and inadequate buildings vacated
and either demolished or put in proper condition to be used as living
quarters. Generally such orders were complied with, but in some cases
resort had to be taken to court action. After a setback was received in
the Municipal Court steps were taken to obtain Superior Court orders
under state law.

The problem was made more difficult by the background of some of
the recent arrivals in the city who had not in their former surround-
ings been accustomed to the higher living standards maintained in San
Francisco. Though some of the tenants in the condemned housing were
Negroes, the Chief Administrative Officer did not recognize in the situ-
ation a race problem, but merely one of protecting residents of the city
against the dangers of bad moral conditions, disease and fire.

It was recognized that eviction of tenants from unsatisfactory living
quarters would not solve the problem, but the two other steps that
could be taken for a solution are beyond the responsibility and power
of local government. One would be to discourage any further influx
of population until the proper housing is provided, and the second
would be issuance of permits for construction of additional homes.

Representations to federal agencies in this regard have been made.

At the request of the Board of Supervisors, the Chief Administrative

(48)

Officer investigated and held a public hearing on allegations that eating
facilities in large war industries in the San Francisco Bay Area, espe-
cially the shipyards, were inadequate. He found that generally such
facilities were inadequate, that management of the industries had been
indifferent to the problem and that the inadequacy contributed to
inefficiency and absenteeism. He recommended that managements
assume responsibility for correcting the situation and that government
agencies cooperate. These findings and recommendations were made
public.

Since they were made steps have been taken by shipyard manage-
ments and government agencies to provide proper meals for workers
on the premises where they work.

Personnel shortages, or extreme difficulty in obtaining the services of
qualified personnel, have become a chronic wartime condition in depart-
ments under the Chief Administrative Officer. The departments are
Public Works, Public Health, Real Estate, Purchasing, Electricity,
Finance and Records (including the county offices of Tax Collector,
Recorder, County Clerk, Public Administrator and Registrar of Voters),
Coroner, Weights and Measures, Agriculture, and the Coordinating
Council. These departments have performed their necessary functions
during the year, however, despite such difficulties.

The Chief Administrative Officer and the Health Department, Depart-
ment of Public Works and Coroner have continued their assigned ac-
tivities in connection with Civilian Defense preparations.

To make possible the holding of the general municipal election in
November, the Chief Administrative Officer selected and assigned
employees of various classifications in several other departments to
assist the Registrar in the adjustment and distribution of voting
machines.

The State Legislature, at its biennial session, failed to amend the
law to permit photography to be substituted for typewriting in the
Recorder's Office. This change would permit some twenty-five copyists
to be assigned to more constructive work, would save the city about
$30,000 a year, and would ease a situation in which the city only with
extreme difficulty, if at all, can purchase new typewriters. The Chief
Administrative Officer has requested the Governor to include this sub-
ject in his expected call for a special session of the Legislature.

The WPA work program was discontinued during the early part of
the year. Microfilming of vital city and county records and their
deposit in a place safe from bombing attacks or fire was completed.

The Chief Administrative Officer brought about a reorganization in
the Department of Public Health inspection services, which is expected
to result in better inspection of restaurants, housing, industrial estab-
lishments and markets while relieving business firms of overlapping
inspections.

The Publicity and Advertising fund, which is under the control and
administration of the Chief Administrative Officer, was reduced for
this fiscal year from $300,000 to $200,000. The lower amount is proving
sufficient for its purposes under wartime conditions.

Separate reports are made on the activities of the various depart-
ments under the Chief Administrative Officer.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

The Department of Public Health has maintained its protective ser-
vices and institutional care program during the past year despite the
seriousness of increased public health problems due to the influx of
population and other wartime conditions and the impossibility of
obtaining the services of sufficient trained personnel.

San Francisco's war-industry population increase caused overcrowd-
ing in undesirable housing, with attendant dangers to public health,

(49)

and intensified problems in connection with child nutrition and care,
communicable disease control and hospitalization. The manpower
shortage has hampered operation of our own institutions for the indi-
gent and caused a tendency toward lowered sanitation in private indus-
try, particularly in fpod establishments that are trying to meet greatly
increased demands.

Death Rate.

Over ten years the death rate in San Francisco has fluctuated be-
tween 11.7 and 14.3 per 1,000 population, at no time showing a signifi-
cant difference between any two years. However, the rate of 1942
shows a significant decrease, 12.8, and the estimated rate for 1943 is
practically the same, 12.9. - The death rate being lower in 1943 suggests
that San Francisco population has been increased by a younger group.

Epidemics.

Interest was directed during 1943 to the unusually high incidence of
cerebrospinal fever (meningococcic meningitis) with a report of 151
local cases, 32 non-local cases and 29 deaths. About the time that a
decline was noted in the reported cases of cerebrospinal fever, a defi-
nite increase in reported poliomyelitis cases became apparent. To date
a total of 142 local cases and 1C9 non-local cases have been reported,
with thirteen deaths (two local and eleven non-local).

Deaths from lobar pneumonia have shown sharp increases in 1942
and 1943. A considerable number of the cases were among shipyard
workers. The figures for the three years follow: 1941, 144 deaths,
1.6 per cent of total deaths; 1942, 242 deaths, 2.6 per cent of total;
1943 (9 months), 278 deaths, 3.8 per cent of total.

Broncho pneumonia deaths increased less sharply to 201 in nine
months of 1943, which was 2.7 per cent of the total deaths.

Tuberculosis cases declined. There were 674 cases in 1941, 792 in
1942 and only 672 cases reported in 1943. This decrease in pulmonary
tuberculosis is surprising but satisfactory.

In December, 1941, the monthly reported incidence of venereal dis-
ease in San Francisco dropped to the lowest point on record. During
that month 148 cases of primary syphilis, secondary syphilis and gonor-
rhea were reported. Since Pearl Harbor the incidence has gradually
increased in an almost steady ascent. In August, 1943, the greatest
amount of venereal disease was reported, 482 cases. In October, 1943,
416 cases were reported and in November, 335 cases.

It is important to differentiate infectious from total venereal diseases
reported because latent and late syphilis are not generally infectious.
Due to Selective Service activities a large amount of unknown non-
infectious syphilis has been discovered. It is estimated that approxi-
mately 50 per cent of all latent syphilis discovered through Selective
Service activities in San Francisco was previously unknown and
untreated syphilis. From the public health point of view it is impor-
tant that this stage of syphilis be discovered because if it is promptly
treated the potentiality of the development of the disastrous effects of
late syphilis are to a considerable degree eliminated.

Venereal disease prophylaxis stations have been established in San
Francisco with the cooperation of the United States Army and the
United States Navy. Approximately 19 per cent of prophylaxis admin-
istered at our stations is administered to civilians. Thousands of
placards stating the availability of prophylaxis in San Francisco have
been placed in public lavatories. In addition 1000 lavatory placards
advising of the availability of free diagnosis for venereal diseases and
treatment for those who cannot afford to pay have been posted.

Two outstanding developments in the control of venereal diseases
have been (1) the psychiatric service of the San Francisco City Clinic,
which is organized on a voluntary basis to carry on a psychiatric social

(50)

readjustment program among sexually promiscuous females, and (2)
the establishment of the Women's Court for trial of women arrested for
vagrancy and prostitution.

These new institutions constitute an effort to present a coordinated
program for the disposition of female prostitution cases on the basis
of scientific evaluation and justice.

Although the reported incidence of venereal disease in San Francisco
has increased 100 per cent since Pearl Harbor, venereal disease rates
have not increased to this extent. Venereal disease rates have increased
perhaps 20 to 30 per cent, which is a much lower rate of increase than
has been experienced in other countries, such as Great Britain.

Birth Rate,

Since 1935 the birth rate for San Francisco has shown a very defi-
nite upward trend, but the annual increase since 1940 has been greatly
in excess of the changes which occurred in the preceding seven years.
It may be estimated there were 15,734 births in 1943, producing a rate
of 20.3 per thousand population. The peak World War I rate was 17.8
in 1920, a post-war year.

A fact to be noted in the present study of birth registration is that
mothers are younger. Over this ten-year period the percentage of
mothers in the 20-24 age group held at a level of 29 per cent to 30
per cent. In 1942, this increased abruptly to 32.9 per cent, seemingly
indicative of a younger age group in the current influx of population.

Infant Mortality Rate.

A darker side of the picture is reflected in the high mortality among
these infants. For the first ten months of the current year 422 babies
under one year of age have died, giving an infant mortality rate of 34.1.

An important cause of death among these infants was epidemic diar-
rhea, or diarrhea of the newborn. After a study of this outbreak, it
was the conclusion of this department that there were 324 cases and
45 deaths from infant diarrhea since December 1, 1942.

Neonatal deaths (deaths under one month of age) constitute 72 per
cent of the total infant deaths in this present period, most of them
attributable to natal and prenatal causes such as prematurity, injuries
at birth, congenital malformations and atelectasis.

Hospitalization.

A survey was made in April, 1943, of the private hospitals in San
Francisco. This showed a capacity of 3606 beds, of which 3153 were
occupied. On August 9, the census showed a normal bed capacity of
3687 with 3084 beds occupied and a vacancy of 615.

For October, 1943, the average number of daily patients in San
Francisco Hospital was 926, of which 353 were in tuberculosis. The
average number of officers and employees was 841. There were 65
vacancies among the nursing personnel and 12 among the hospital
orderlies. If these personnel shortages continue, it may be necessary
to place a limit below normal capacity on daily patient load.

Private Patients and the City and County Hospital. Since the first
of January, 1943, there have been approximately 85 requests by physi-
cians to our San Francisco Hospital to accept hospital cases due to lack
of beds or other reasons at other hospitals in San Francisco. These
were emergency cases, some surgical; five were acute pneumonia
cases. The problem of securing beds for private cases includes finding
space for the Negro patient, the aged patient who may develop long
duration chronic complications, the maternity case which had not made
previous reservations, the contagious disease case requiring special

(51)

isolation care, the psychopathic case also needing a special type of
accommodation, and the case able to afford only part pay.

Acute Housing Shortage.

Early in 1943 it became obvious that the rate of influx of new resi-
dents into San Francisco was greater than the available housing units.
This new population included Negroes, many of whom settled in the
area from which the Japanese had moved. The average dwelling in
this section was not desirable for human habitation. Overcrowded
conditions became noticeable and general insanitary conditions pre-
vailed. A survey of a 114-square-block area revealed many unsatisfac-
tory health conditions and fire hazards. Owners of the properties were
cited before the Director of Public Health and ordered to vacate prem-
ises and repair structures to comply with the law.

Hearings were held weekly, commencing June 24, 1943, and continu-
ing to September 1, 1943. At that time 11 premises had been evacu-
ated; 24 had not been evacuated, and five were being repaired and
altered. Beginning October 4, 1943, all premises ordered vacated and
repaired that had not complied were written up for condemnation.
Three condemnation meetings have been held and approximately 20
premises have been condemned and ordered repaired or demolished.
Notifications were forwarded to the District Attorney with requests for
citations and warrants aimed at evictions. Federal housing agencies
are endeavoring to secure suitable housing for persons and families
evicted.

Infant and Pre-School Child Hygiene.

Due to the influx of families from rural areas of the nation for
employment in defense industries and of service men's families, an
increase in the Well-Baby Centers conducted by the department may
be necessary.

Many of these families are transient and attend health centers for
one visit and then fail to return. Others come to the centers for
immunization and other services in order to place their children in
nursery schools. Many of these children have never had any immuniza-
tion and appear undernourished. They need a great deal of health
supervision and follow-up by the field nursing staff.

School Child Hygiene.

The presence of large numbers of new out-of-state children in the San
Francisco Schools made it necessary to divert school physician and
school nurse hours to this group. These new children have question-
able health backgrounds; immunization histories are sometimes vague
or non-existent. Limited and curtailed physician time has been taken
from the physical examinations of new children to the immunization
programs.

Overcrowding and substandard hygienic conditions have played a
part in the increased incidence of communicable diseases. Skin con-
ditions alone with scabies and impetigo secondary to flea bites have
been of more than minor significance.

The pressing problems of the new group have taken precedence over
the long-range school health program, and yet physician time has not
been sufficient to cover the physical examinations of the out-of-state
children after almost a year. An outstanding need is for additional
school physicians and school nurses when there is an apparent short-
age of both.

Food.

For quite some time it has been obvious that the general local food
supply, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables, is not of the same

(52)

quality as in normal times. The wide variety of food products nor-
mally available for selection is no longer seen in most markets through-
out the city.

Food manufacturing concerns such as bakeries, delicatessens, meat
processing plants, have not been able to maintain the high degree of
sanitation that usually prevails in normal times. Consequently it has
been necessary for the inspection services of the Department of Public
Health to increase their activities in these industries.

The shortage of manpower is the outstanding reason for this con-
dition. Another important factor, however, is the increased popula-
tion of the city, which has resulted in increased demands for the com-
modities processed in these food establishments. Most concerns are
working very long hours in order to meet the demand, and with the
lack of help there is always an inclination to slip up on general clean-
ing practices. Therefore, inspections must be more frequent than in
normal times.

Restaurants.

Many restaurants have gone out of business due to the labor short-
age and their inability to obtain sufficient food supplies at prices that
would enable them to continue in business.

In certain sections of the city the facilities of public eating places
have been taxed beyond normal capacity. This is true particularly in
certain apartment house and hotel areas where individuals are entirely
dependent upon public eating houses for their meals.

The general sanitation of these establishments has been maintained
at a satisfactory level. There have been instances, however, where
personnel in small counter establishments have become careless because
of heavy patronage during peak hours. The shortage of trained per-
sonnel has been obvious and carelessness in sanitation has been trace-
able to untrained help.

More than 170 employees of the Department of Public Health have
been granted military and war leaves and many others have resigned
to accept private employment. Despite this, the work of the depart-
ment has been maintained at a high standard.

HEALTH SERVICE SYSTEM

Medical and hospital care has been provided for employees of the
City and County and the Board of Education through the Health Ser-
vice System for five years. The System completed its fifth year of
operation under Plan 1 of the Health Service Board on September
30, 1943.

During that year the System covered an average membership of
15,000 persons per month. Of these the greater part were active em-
ployee members. About one-third of the persons covered were depen-
dents of city and school employees and retired city and school employees.

The average membership figures based on monthly contributions
were: employees, 9918; retired employees, 424; adult dependents, 2721;
minor dependents, 1850; total 14,913. The total disbursement for medi-
cal care during the year ending September 30, 1943, was $410,485. The
sum of $291,541 was paid for the services of physicians and surgeons.
The balance of $118,944 covered hospitalization, X-ray and laboratory
examinations, physiotherapy, and ambulance service.

The Health Service System was established with the adoption of
Charter Section 172.1 in 1937. The first year was spent in studying
methods of providing prepayment medical care, organizing the present
system, and establishing its legal status. The benefits of the system
became available to the membership on October 1, 1938.

(53)

Each of the five years during which benefits have been available has
been beset with the problems of a new enterprise. The most pressing
of these problems since the outset has been the difficulty in paying for
medical services at rates recognized by competent authority to be ade-
quate for a group such as the city and school employees of San Fran-
cisco.

The system pays for hospitalization and other auxiliary medical ser-
vices on a dollar for dollar basis, either according to a uniform sched-
ule of fees, or uniform indemnification for medical service under which
the medical agency is paid in full at its regular rate. The doctors, or
members of the professional staff, however, are paid according to a
schedule of units for the various medical and surgical services. The
full value of the service unit is $1.00.

During the first four years of operation of the Health Service Plan
the system met with varying degrees of success in its payment under
the unit method. Adjustments were made from time to time to bring
the risk on various subscriber groups, particularly dependents, into
accord with contributions made for their membership. It was not until
December of 1942, however, that the full payment for medical services
was achieved on a basis that would permit continuance of such pay-
ment. At that time the membership rates were adjusted to permit full
payment for the medical services received :id to permit the stabilizing
of the unit rate of payment at a figure which would assure the best of
medical care for members of the system and continued participation
by the doctors of San Francisco.

The system has maintained the full dollar unit of payment for the
professional staff since December of 1942 and has accumulated a sur-
plus in the medical fund with which to protect the system against
epidemic conditions, and which may permit an extension of the scope
of benefits.

There was a decrease of approximately 1000 members during 1943
below the membership for 1942. The decrease was about equally
divided between employees and dependents. Military leaves accounted
for a temporary reduction in employee membership, and the removal of
dependent subscribers for non-dependency accounted for much of the
decrease in that type of membership.

Wartime conditions have drastically affected the distribution of medi-
cal service in the entire community. This, of course, has been felt by
the Health Service System. Many doctors are in military service and
are no longer available to Health Service patients. Hospital facilities
are often overtaxed, with a resulting decrease in demands for elective
operations. These factors have tended to reduce the normal medical
requirements of Health Service members.

The city and school employees, however, are receiving more and
better medical care than they received prior to establishment of the
Health Service System. This should be reflected in the quality of their
service to the city. Proper health protection promotes efficiency and
minimizes time lost through illness and injury.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

The Department of Public Works has gone forward with plans for
post-war projects and has kept its crews busy on maintenance work
during 1943 while carrying on such construction as has been possible
under wartime restrictions.

In addition, the Department has performed its essential operations
despite the difficulty of obtaining and retaining personnel. It has
cleaned and flushed 750 miles of streets and kept in repair our
146,000,000 square feet of street pavement. It has cleaned and kept in
repair 790 miles of main sewers, maintained janitorial and elevator ser-
vice in the City and County's nearly 400 buildings.

(54)

Noteworthy contributions to the city's state of preparedness to meet
enemy action has been made by this Department in the setting up and
maintenance of a Demolition and Clearance Corps, and a Decontamina-
tion Corps. More will be said about this activity in the section of this
report devoted to Civilian Defense.

As of November 5, the Department had the preliminary engineering
and plans and specifications completed on a list of work projects —
streets, sewers, bridges — totaling $1,800,000 in estimated costs. For
projects totaling $4,367,000 in estimated costs plans and specifications
were from 40 to 99 per cent complete. Engineering work was being
done on still other projects.

Contracts let by the Department for school construction, alterations,
repairs and additions totaled for eleven months, to November 30,
$211,733. Construction totaling $146,889 was done for Civilian De-
fense— air raid sirens, degassing stations, auxiliary fire houses, Civic
Center dormitories, etc. Sewer and drainage contracts awarded during
the period totaled $235,352 and those for street work $211,933.

Thus far federal authorities have given permission for construction
of only one (Ingleside) item in the scheduled sewer construction pro-
gram for this fiscal year; six items have thus far had to be deferred.
The program will be carried out as wartime restrictions permit. The
program for new school buildings and additions has also been curtailed,
and the street and highwa., construction program has been hampered
by personnel shortages and material restrictions.

Due to the granting of federal permits for $1,000 small homes for
war industry workers, fees for building permits increased as compared
with 1942, but still were well below normal. During eleven months
2731 building permits were issued for private construction estimated
to cost $11,154,301. With the lifting of wartime restrictions private
building construction is expected to boom, as there are evidences of a
big backlog of demand for housing and business buildings.

School Buildings.

Contracts were awarded for school building additions, repairs, and
new construction for the first eleven months of 1943 on the following
schools:

Polytechnic High School — Replacing student tables and floor-
ing $ 2,097

George Washington High School — Completion of sculptured

friezes 3,261

Abraham Lincoln High School — Exterior door maintenance 2,697

Guadalupe and three other schools — Installation of new tubes

in boilers . . . . , 4,044

Edward Robeson Taylor School — Repair of composition roofing 2,491
Lawton and Raphael Weill Schools — Wood and glass partitions

for temporary classrooms 6,747

Raphael Weill, Jefferson, Sunnyside and Alamo Schools — Re-
placing blackboards, etc 29,000

Hawthorne School — Exterior painting 1,393

Horace Mann School — Exterior painting of 1,432

Raphael Weill School — Interior painting 9,700

Geary School — Exterior painting 1,870

Emerson School — Exterior painting 2,396

Alamo School — Exterior painting 2,300

Edison School — Exterior painting 4,421

Alvarado School — Exterior painting 3,621

West Portal School — Exterior painting 3,122

Alta Vista School — Exterior painting 4,422

Sherman School — Exterior painting 3,546

Winfield Scott School — Exterior painting 4,740

Marina Junior High School — Exterior painting 4,236

John Muir School — Exterior painting 2,462

Polytechnic High School— Exterior painting 8,930

(55)

Andrew Jackson School — Exterior painting 3,306

Dudley Stone School — Interior and exterior painting 5,300

Monroe School — Exterior painting 4,974

Guadalupe School — Exterior painting 3,621

Alta Vista School — Waterproofing and miscellaneous repairs... 8,200

Bret Harte School — Interior and exterior painting 8,850

John Swett Jr. High School — Exterior painting 2,910

Lowell High School — Repair steel stairs in yard 1,890

Polytechnic High School — Repair steel stairs in yard 2,090

Washington Irving School — Exterior painting 3,185

Lowell High School — Exterior painting 8,894

Polytechnic High School — Skylight maintenance 6,727

Abraham Lincoln High School — Yard paving and general con-
struction of six classrooms 19,708

High School of Commerce — Repairs to roof 10,159

John Swett School — Shower room 4,691

Lincoln School — Fire damage repairs 8,300

$211,733

Civilian Defense and War Council Construction.

The following contractual work was performed during the first eleven
months of 1943:

Air Raid Sirens $ 5,565

Degassing Station No. 1 9,195

Degassing Station No. 2 4,197

Control Center No. 2 10,187

Control Center No. 3 2,121

Auxiliary Fire Houses— Six buildings 8,290

Auxiliary Fire Houses — Seven buildings 9,997

Auxiliary Fire Houses — Eleven buildings 13,230

Five One-Story Dormitory Buildings — Civic Center 34,600

Two Story Dormitory Building — Hamilton Square 9,982

Four Two-Story Dormitory Buildings — Civic Center 39,488

One-Story Office Building— Civic Center 2,037

Total $148,889

Informal Contracts.

From January 1 to November 30, 1943, fifty-two (52) informal
contracts were awarded totaling (no one jo,b exceeded
$1,000) $ 23,250

Buildings and Structures — Miscellaneous.

The following contracts awarded from January 1 to November 30,
1943, inclusive:

Third Street Bridge fender repairs $ 1,114

Southern Police Station — Alterations 1,322

Clarendon Avenue Yard — Fire damage 995

San Francisco Hospital — Reconstruction of incinerators 5,390

Law Library, City Hall— Shelving 1,564

San Francisco Hospital — Waterproofing 2,481

Southern Police Station — Garage repairs and gas pump 1,120

Palace of Legion of Honor — Removing cast stone 1,515

Central Warehouse — Painting 1,425

Laguna Honda Home — Wooden tank 1,675

$ 18,601
(56 J

Sewers and Drainage.
Activities from Jamiary 1 to November SO, 19Jt3

The following contracts were awarded during the first eleven months
of 1943:

Ingleside Outfall Sewer Section "A" $112,741

Fell Street, Webster and Laguna — Sanitary sewer 17,429

Shotwell Street, Seventeenth to Eighteenth Streets — Sanitary

sewer 5,998

Alta Street, Sansome and Montgomery — Sanitary sewer 1,900

Hyde Street, Extension to — Storm drain outfall 3,650

Jackson Street — Sansome and Battery — Storm and sanitary. . . . 39,610

Arlington Avenue and St. Mary's — Drainage system 16,880

Sigmund Stern Playground — Sewer replacement 1,474

Burnham and Twenty-fourth Street — Drainage system 18,350

Lucerne and Bryant Street — Sanitary sewer 2,480

Lombard, Franklin and Fillmore — Repair brick sewer 14,840

Total Sewers $235,352

Street Work.

Work Paid for With Gas Tax Moneys.

Planing Streets — Three contracts awarded $ 71,045

Market Street, First and Tenth Streets — Concrete parking lanes 62,733
Jessie Street, Seventh Street to Western Termination — Recon-
struct 12,933

Ashbury Street — Frederick and Waller — Reconstruction, includ-
ing sewer 23,621

Thirty-second Avenue— Pacheco and Quintara — Sand removal.. 1,125

Bernal Cut — Slope repairs 11,850

Monterey Boulevard— Junipero Serra— Santa Clara — Repair... 2,777

Total $186,084

Street Work.

Paid by Property Oicners.

Miscellaneous Sidewalk Construction $ 4,320

Alpha — Raymond Street, 180 feet northerly 900

Cambridge— West View Terrace 13,969

Iowa — Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets 1,600

Iowa— Nineteenth Street, 325 feet southerly 1,820

Eighteenth Street— Iowa Street westerly 3,240

Total $ 25,849

Contract Work.

Recapitulation — Activities of Department of Public Works —

January 1 to November SO, 1943

School Buildings $211,733

Civilian Defense— War Council 148,889

Informal Contracts— Each under $1,000 23,250

Miscellaneous Buildings and Structures 18,601

Sewers and Drainage 235,352

Street Work— Gas Tax Moneys 186,084

Street Work Paid by Property Owners 25,849

$849,758
(57)

Private Building Construction.

The fees collected on private building construction for the first eleven
months of 1943 evidence an increase of 8% per cent as compared to
fees collected for a like period in 1942. During 1943, 2731 building
permits were issued at an estimated building cost of $11,154,301 as com-
pared to 2872 permits issued with building valuations of $9,633,530 for
a like period in 1942.

Operation and Maintenance.

In addition to new construction, additions and betterments the De-
partment of Public Works performed its regular functions of mainte-
nance and repairs covering the following:

Bureau of Streets.

Cleaned and flushed approximately 750 miles of streets. Main-
tained, planed and kept in repair our 146,000,000 square feet of paved
streets.

Bureau of Sewers.

Flushed, cleaned and kept in repair our approximately 790 miles of
main sewers, in addition approximately 8000 catchbasins were cleaned.

Bureau of Buildings.

Maintained janitorial and elevator service in City Hall, Hall of Jus-
tice and Health Center Building. Performed all miscellaneous repair
work on all public buildings, including Police, Fire and School Build-
ings totaling in all approximately 388 buildings.

PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

Total purchases for the year 1943 amounted to $5,601,959.23 as com-
pared with a total of $7,412,863.25 for the year 1942, showing a de-
crease of 24 per cent. The total amount of the decrease is spread
pretty well through all departments with the exception of the Depart-
ment of Public Health in which there was a slight increase. The num-
ber of purchase orders issued this year decreased by 19 per cent, to
40,254.

While there was a decrease of more than 10 per cent this year as
compared with last year in the total cost of operating the Purchasing
Department, there was at the same time a slight increase in the ratio
of total cost to the total value of the purchases made. There was at
the same time a slight increase in the cost per order because of the
fact that the fixed expenses were spread over a smaller number of
orders issued.

Expenditures for the various departments are summarized below:

Number of

Orders Amount of Orders

General and Miscellaneous 21,846 $2,322,695.20

Civilian Defense 1,187 546,590.01

Education 5,976 854,010.77

Health 4,736 1,131,044.02

Utilities 4,262 507,180.45

Water Department 2,153 227,368.56

W.P.A 94 13,070.22

The Department continues to do all purchasing for all departments,
commissions, boards and institutions of the city and in addition oper-
ates and supervises repair shops for automotive and mechanical equip-

(58)

ment, garages, storerooms, warehouses, and a gasoline and oil service
station for municipally-owned automotive equipment.

The equipment inventory maintained by the Purchaser of Supplies
for all departments continues to furnish a valuable record showing
the amount of equipment on hand and where it is located. Many trans-
fers of equipment and supplies between departments have been effected.

The Department has participated actively in the several scrap and
salvage disposal drives, and through the sale of useless or unnecessary
property has been able to convert a considerable quantity of old ma-
terial and equipment into cash.

The Tabulating Division of the Purchasing Department, which han-
dles statistical operations for the Traffic Fines Bureau, the courts, the
police and other departments, has been expanded recently to serve the
Civil Service Commission and the office of the Controller.

The work of the Department during 1943 has again involved prob-
lems and difficulties due to priority regulations and the shortage of
many types of equipment and supplies necessary for the operations
of city departments. During the year a procedure has been adopted
by which hundreds of small purchases have been made through a cash
revolving fund. This procedure as it continues should effect economies,
while affording all necessary protection in the expenditure of city
funds. It accounts to some extent for the reduction in the number of
purchase orders issued this year.

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICITY

Operations of the Department of Electricity for calendar year 1943
included:

Civilian Defense: Electric control equipment was installed for five
Victory sirens. Monthly test was made of all sirens as follows: Five
Victory sirens, thirty electric sirens. Maintained and repaired circuits
for all sirens.

Station KGPD: Monthly test was made of frequency measurements
of Station KGPD.

Traffic Signals: Installed traffic signals at two additional intersec-
tions during the year, making a total of 213 intersections at which
traffic signals are installed. Circuits and traffic signals maintained
and repaired. Construction has been started on new traffic signal in-
stallation at Bay and Hyde.

Fire Alarm System: Installed thirteen new fire alarm boxes, removed
three, making total of 1643 now in service. Monthly tests made, 19,658,
signals transmitted, 37,970.

Maintained and serviced two-way radio for Police Department. Dur-
ing the year fourteen additional cars were equipped with two-way
radio which are also equipped for inter-car communication, bringing
total number of cars equipped with two-way radio to 64. Radio receiv-
ing sets were maintained in all Police cars and motorcycles, 19 Police
Stations, as well as in Fire Department cars, two fire boats and one
police boat.

Teletype system maintained for Police Department. Maintained and
serviced Police boxes.

Inspection Bureau: 7017 applications received, 5904 applications ap-
proved, 36,105 inspections made, 4310 pinball machines inspected, 5079
phonographs inspected. Inspection fees and other revenues totaled
$34,525.57. Overhead line construction inspections totaled 6458.

Street Signs: New signs made and installed, 26, signs repaired or
replaced, 161.

Machine Shop: Manufactured eleven fire alarm boxes, five police
boxes, eight police panels and parts for various electric control equip-
ment.

Total expenditures amounted to $202,379.45.
(69)

REAL ESTATE DEPARTMENT

During the year 1943 the Real Estate Department, under the direc-
tion of the Director of Property, purchased certain real property for
the City and County of San Francisco, as follows:

Project Parcels Amount

Aquatic Park 1 $ 25,250

Bernal Heights Boulevard 7 1,000

Candlestick Cove School 4 9,000

Edgewood Drive 1 100

Fleishhacker Playfield 1 18,704

Ingleside Terrace Sewer 3 1,555

Lombard Street Improvement Relocations. ... 11 3,778

McLaren Park 1 600

Richmond Sewer Tunnel 1 35

San Francisco Airport, 516 acres 3 31,000

Underwriters' Fire Patrol 2 39,340

Water Department 3 15,339

Yacht Harbor 2 48,604

Totals 40 $194,305

During the year the Real Estate Department collected rentals in the
total sum of $306,692 from city-owned lands and improvements and
$53,738 from the Civic Auditorium.

Under the Director of Property fifteen parcels of real property were
sold at public auction for the sum of $29,733, and many leases of city-
owned lands and improvements were entered into with various lessees,
including Bishop Oil Company, Win, L. Hughson, J. H. Mohr, S. & G.
Gump Co., Hale Bros., and others. A considerable number of leases
were also negotiated in connection with Air Raid Warden Services,
Public Welfare Department, Board of Education, Ration Boards, Health
Department, Registrar of Voters, Library Department, Red Cross
Rescue Trucks, War Housing Center, military purposes, servicemen's
dormitories, and the Stage Door Canteen. Many Victory Garden per-
mits were also issued by the Director of Property.

SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

The State law provides that all weighing and measuring devices used
commercially must be tested and sealed at least once a year. This has
been accomplished and in conjunction with this work this Department
has, upon request of the Army and Navy, tested all the weighing and
measuring devices used by them.

This Department has also cooperated with the Office of Price Admin-
istration concerning all foodstuffs. Several arrests were made and
fines ranging as high as $500 were imposed due to black market con-
ditions.

We have visited, daily, since its inception, the Farmers Free Mar-
ket, located at Duboce and Market Streets, testing all scales used by
the visiting farmers and watching the weights to see that the pur-
chasing public is fully protected.

Inspections made from January 2, 1943-December 31, 1943: Total
number of scales sealed, 16,005; adjusted, 1431; condemned, 482; con-
fiscated, 59; total, 17,977. Weights sealed, 18,437; adjusted, 14; con-
fiscated, 104; total, 18,555.

Gasoline pumps sealed, 3643; adjusted, 26; condemned, 109; con-
fiscated, 2; total, 3780. Liquid measures sealed, 7296; adjusted, 2; con-
demned, 5; total, 7303.

Merchandise in containers sealed, 163,068; condemned, 17,318; total,
180,386.

(60)

Complaints received and adjusted, 122; establishments visited, 11,442;
certificates issued, 9470. Cash returned to complainants, $78; arrests,
12; convictions, 12; fines, $1,475.

CORONER

The Coroner's office has functioned efficiently in spite of the short-
age of both men and materials due to our present emergency.

Immediately following the onset of the war the Coroner's office was
placed on an emergency basis, and at present is prepared to function
and cope with any catastrophe that might occur. All of our members
are on call twenty-four hours every day of the year. Working under
our direction as a division of Civilian Defense are 187 trained volun-
teer auxiliary deputy coroners. At our disposal for emergency use are
thirty-five auxiliary morgues and sixty-six auxiliary ambulances. This
will give us storage space for 3975 bodies.

This office handled 2315 cases during the last ten months, an increase
of 158 cases over a corresponding period last year. The number of
inquests held was 2315, autopsies performed, 2281.

Motor vehicle traffic deaths increased from 73 in 1942 to 92 in 1943.
Of this number, 78 were pedestrians, compared with 55 in 1942. This
relative increase in pedestrian deaths was due in part to the dimout.

Occupational fatalities increased from 40 in 1942 to 42 in 1943, due
undoubtedly to the industrial speed-up resulting from the defense pro-
gram. Sixty-one cases collapsed at work from natural causes. Homi-
cides increased from 31 in 1942 to 34 in 1943, while suicides decreased
to 117 from 136 in 1942.

The office in this period handled the cases of twenty-seven members
of the armed forces, collaborating with the Army and Navy in inves-
tigations.

Revenue received by the office for certification of papers, verdicts and
transcripts of testimony increased from $1,757.67 to $1,918.45.

JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT

Chief Probation Officer R. R. Miller reports as follows for the Juve-
nile Probation Department:

The fiscal year 1942-1943 will be remembered for the successes of the
Allied armies on the battlefront and the rise of juvenile delinquency
as a national problem on the home front. Juvenile delinquency in-
creased in San Francisco obviously because of war conditions and an
increased population, with resultant social ramifications. However,
there has also come an intelligent interest on the part of the general
public toward endeavoring to solve this intricate problem.

The actual increase in the volume of work is reflected in the follow-
ing comparative figures showing the number of boys and girls under
Juvenile Court supervision during the fiscal years of 1941-1942 and
1942-1943.

1941-1942 1942-1948
Children Children

Total new petitions filed during fiscal year 1283 1161

Unofficial cases 1850 2623

Traffic Violations 338 576

Reports for Conciliation Court

(Divorce Investigations) 274 246

Step-parent Adoption Investigations 82 145

Out-of-Town Inquiries 110 257

3937 5008

(61)

The following figures show the number of children placed in the De-
tention Home as delinquents:

During the five-year period from 1936 to 1940 the yearly
average of boys and girls brought to us as delinquent

children was 1304

In 1941 these figures decreased to 1170

In 1942 these figures increased to 1478

And for the fiscal year 1942-1943 2042

These figures represent a present increase of 56.6 per cent over the
normal program of the five years preceding the outbreak of the war. An
analysis of these statistics, however, discloses two interesting facts:
First, that one-third of the children brought to us are residents of cities
and towns in California outside of San Francisco, or are residents of
states outside of the State of California; secondly, that 18 per cent of
the children brought to the Detention Home came from families who
have established residence in San Francisco since December, 1941. It,
therefore, would appear that 51 per cent of these children are not what
we would term San Francisco residents. Consequently, while our over-
all increase has been 56.6 per cent, our actual increase in San Fran-
cisco residents has been 5.6 per cent.

Due to this increase in numbers of children our facilities of deten-
tion, foster home care, institutional placement, and so forth, have been
taxed to the breaking point. Our Detention Home, built in 1915, has
proven quite inadequate to meet the increased load. Foster homes
have practically ceased to exist. Private institutions have long waiting
lists and commitments to state schools have to be held in the Deten-
tion Home for days awaiting a vacant bed in the state institution.
Without the facilities of the Log Cabin Ranch as a rehabilitating
project for problem boys the court would have experienced insur-
mountable difficulties in the handling of these youths.

The war has brought to us additional difficulties. Where, for many
years, resignations from our staff were very few, within the last fiscal
year we experienced approximately a 50 per cent turnover. Many of
our men have gone into the armed services, American Red Cross and
war industries; the women have joined such service corps as the
WACS, Marines and Army Nurses. Replacements have been extremely
difficult.

However, we wish to report that this Department has worked dili-
gently to meet the problems and feel that we have done so with con-
siderable success. Hoodlumism, gangsterism, et cetera, that has arisen
in other communities, has not been experienced in San Francisco to
any appreciable degree. We have not lowered our standard of case
work and we can point with pride to the fact that no child called to
our attention has failed to receive service. In addition to this we have
cooperated with all preventive agencies in community plans, not only
for the present, but also the post-war period.

We are now formulating plans for a new Detention Home unit for
the post-war period, to provide modern and adequate detention home
facilities to meet the needs of future years.

The need of additional personnel to meet this increased volume of
work led to our requesting, and your granting, sixteen additional em-
ployees for the Probation Department, Detention Home, and Log Cabin
Ranch; also, a staff of six people to operate the neglected children and
girls' school which we expect to place in operation the early part of
January, 1944.

There was expended from the Maintenance of Minors Fund, includ-
ing all children placed through the Juvenile Court with foster homes,
institutions and own families, the total amount of $553,305.24. Break-
ing this down, there was expended in Institutions, $28,229.21; Agencies
and foster homes, $339,504.39; with own families (Mothers' Aid),
$183,721.62; Transportation of minors to homes, $1,850.02.

(62)

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER

Inspection of all inter- and intrastate shipments of plants, bulbs and
seed is the responsibility of this Department. During the year 1943
the total amount of incoming nursery stock was 7942 shipments,
3,678,371 plants, with no shipments rejected. Nurseries inspected totaled
52; retail nurseries, 33.

Retail stores numbering 1403 were inspected for the condition of
fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey and eggs. Fruits, nuts and vegetables
conditioned, 739 packages; dumped, 60 packages. Eggs conditioned,
5803 dozen; marked, 3599 dozen; dumped, 286 dozen.

Wholesale fruit and vegetable market: Number of inspections, 1229:
fruits and vegetables conditioned, 17,501 packages; marked, 3,841
packages; dumped, 23,606 packages.

There were 2223 inspections of fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereals, gar-
den seed, plants and other miscellaneous commodities shipped to points
in the United States and foreign countries amounting to a total of
177,862 packages.

There were 1502 inspections of food and feed products for city insti-
tutions with only six rejections, as follows: 480 dozen eggs and 40,332
pounds of butter and potatoes.

The revenue taken for export work and city institutions together for
the present year will amount to approximately $3,100.

Inspectors have been cooperating with the Department of Health
and the Department of Weights and Measures in our inspection of
wholesale and retail establishments, reporting violations and adverse
conditions to those departments.

Request inspection on produce for export shipments were far below
normal, due to war conditions. Quality inspections, however, were
heavier with the opening of the Farmers' Market. This market is
requiring almost full time of one inspector and satisfactory results are
being maintained.

This office continued to give assistance to the Victory Garden move-
ment. Inspectors have given home gardeners counsel on soil prepara-
tion, fertilizers and control of insect pests. This has necessitated many
visits to home garden plots to assist with particular problems. A com-
petent entomologist is available to identify insects and diseases on
plants brought to the Commissioner's office by gardeners and nearly
500 specimens were identified in this way. Advice on proper methods
of control was given.

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND RECORDS

Under Section 61 of the Charter this Department includes the func-
tions and personnel of the offices of Tax Collector, Registrar of Voters,
Recorder, County Clerk and Public Administrator, and is administered
by a Director who is appointed by the Chief Administrative Officer.

Even more so than in 1942, the year 1943 saw many changes in
personnel. Because of the war, and with so many employees leaving
either to enter the armed services or to work in industries connected
with the war, the problem of securing competent help has been at
times an acute one.

The various activities of the five divisions enumerated above are
submitted in separate reports.

The expenses for the Director's office during the year 1943 were
$8,995.70.

(63)

TAX COLLECTOR

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1943, the following collections were
made:

Real Estate Taxes and Secured Personal Property Taxes. .$33,407,953.69
Unsecured Personal Property Taxes (exclusive of Delin-
quent Revenue) for period July 1, 1942, to December

5, 1942 1,877,061.47

In the Bureau of Delinquent Revenue (various accounts) 127,916.23
In the Bureau of Licenses 424,542.08

Total Collections $35,838,073.47

The Total Collections for the fiscal year ended June 30,

1942, were $34,690,149.48 •

Which represents an increase in the past year's collections

of 1,147,923.99

COUNTY CLERK

The work of the County Clerk's Office increased under wartime con-
ditions in 1943 and this growth was reflected in a substantial increase
in the total of fees collected.

The largest increase in revenue was in the Marriage License Bureau,
where fees amounted to $20,221. The comparable figure for 1942 was
$15,767. The total of fines and fees collected during the fiscal year
which ended June 30, 1943, was $150,175.90, as against $140,225.48
during the prior fiscal year.

The State Legislature in February enacted as emergency legislation
special laws simplifying procedure for the delayed registration of
births. Due to the need for birth certificates in connection with mili-
tary service and in securing employment in essential industries, con-
siderable use has been made of this legislation by the citizens of San
Francisco. By the end of 1943 some 600 applications under the new
legislation have been filed in our Superior Court. The new procedure
provides both a simple and inexpensive means of providing and restor-
ing this vital statistics record. This is important especially in San
Francisco, where all original birth certificates were destroyed in the
fire of 1906.

The County Clerk's Office continued its service in cooperation with
the Federal Government by supervising the issuance of Explosives
Licenses to applicants in this City and County, acting as licensing
agents for the United States Bureau of Mines.

COUNTY RECORDER

The Recorder's Office received for recording during the calendar year
1943 a total of 64,921 instruments. Out of this number, 14,226 were
deeds; 9533 deeds of trust; and 10,407 marriage certificates. There
was also a marked increase in the number of reconveyances recorded,
the number totaling 10,078.

The Recorder participated in efforts made by the Recorders of the
State to amend the State law to permit the installation of late, up-to-
date photographic equipment for reproducing official instruments. One
was an attempt to amend Section 4131 of the Political Code. The
amendment to this section, which was brought before the Judiciary
Committee of the State Legislature, failed to receive the required ma-
jority vote of the committee, and therefore was tabled.

A later attempt was made by petition to the Appellate Court in Los

(64)

Angeles, to test the legality of Section 4131 of the Political Code, which
prohibits the use of photo recording in this State.

California cities now remain the only cities of any size in the coun-
try that are still using the old-style method of copying instruments by
typewriter. Owing to the manpower shortage and the difficulty of
purchasing typewriters, it is imperative that we use every means pos-
sible to remove the restrictive language in Section 4131 of the Political
Code, so that photographic equipment may be installed.

REGISTRAR OF VOTERS

The office of the Registrar of Voters handled registrations for and
conducted two elections during 1943.

Under the provisions of the Elections Code it was necessary to cancel
117,981 of the names on the register for 1942. This left 251,106 persons
eligible to vote at the beginning of the year. Registration in the office
and at branch stations during the year increased the registration by
35,700.

At the special election held April 20, 1943, there were 255,227 persons
registered, of whom 143,595 voted.

At the general municipal election there were 286,806 registered, of
whom 221,274 voted.

At the close of the November election the office was obliged to vacate
the Otis Street warehouse and through the Directory of Property
secured more spacious accommodation at 1440 Broadway.

The work of the office proceeded smoothly at all times, but the
scarcity of men made it necessary to get help from other departments
in the city government for handling, preparing and rechecking the
voting machines.

Negotiations are being concluded for the purchase of fifty additional
voting machines at a very low figure.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

The operations of the Public Administrator's office were highly suc-
cessful, and indicated a profit for the first eleven months of 1943 of
$17,144.91.

The following data are gleaned from the report of the operations of
the Public Administrator's office for the period from January 1 to No-
vember 30, 1943: Number of estates wherein Public Administrator took
possession, 464; number of estates in which final accounts have been
settled and allowed, 319; Administrator's commissions collected and
paid into County Treasury, $29,255.90; attorney's fees collected and
paid into County Treasury, $29,255.89; sundry revenue collected and
paid into County Treasury, $419.06; total collections paid into County
Treasury, $58,930.85; total cost of operation of office, $41,785.94; profit,
$17,144.91.

The operations of this office have been particularly affected by the
war, in that, in many estates heirs and beneficiaries are either alien
enemies or nationals of occupied countries. The Federal Government
has issued many rules and regulations affecting their accounts and the
disposition of their property, which this office is obliged to critically
follow. The Alien Property Custodian has filed his appearance in many
of the estates. This has increased the detail of the office, as it is neces-
sary to furnish the Alien Property Custodian with a copy of the inven-
tory and account. He then issues a vesting order, vesting in himself,
as Alien Property Custodian, the rights of the particular alien.

There has been a great increase in estates of $200 and less, adminis-
tered under Sections 1143-44 of the Probate Code, where there are no
fees. In 1942, for the first eleven months we administered 80 of such

(65 )

estates and in 1943 144. This increase has arisen from the influx of
defense workers who come here without funds or assets, are living
alone and have only their salary or some small savings. This, too, has
increased the detail work of the office without a corresponding increase
in help.

Regulations, restrictions and taxes are ever-increasing, covering
property and income of all of our estates, particularly the income
tax, as this office is obliged to furnish the Internal Revenue Depart-
ment with a detail of earnings. Usually we are without sufficient in-
formation upon which to base reports and it becomes necessary to
write many letters to trace employment and earnings to ascertain if
a tax liability exists.

All of these changes have greatly augmented the work of the per-
sonnel and placed additional responsibility on all concerned.

PUBLIC WELFARE COMMISSION

The following summary of the activities of the Public Welfare De-
partment, together with essential statistics and financial data covers
the calendar year 1943:

While caseloads and total costs of public assistance in San Fran-
cisco have decreased during the past year, there has been no decrease
in the number of problems or diminution in services rendered by the
Public Welfare Department. In addition to its normal functions, the
services of the Department have been adapted to include war related
activities and cooperative responsibilities which have arisen as a result
of the war. Broad changes in public assistance laws during the past
year have necessitated many changes in procedures, and the loss of
personnel to the armed forces, or war industries, has made necessary
the consolidation of various functions of the Department in order that
the interests of individuals requiring the services of the Department
might best be served.

The programs administered by the Department during the past year
have included Old Age Assistance; Aid to Needy Children; Aid to
Needy Blind; Indigent Aid or general relief; War Services and As-
sistance cases, and Child Welfare Consultation Service.

The three public assistance programs which come within the provi-
sions of the Federal Social Security Act, i. e., Old Age Assistance, Aid
to Needy Children and Aid to Needy Blind have been financed by fed-
eral, state and county funds while the cost of Indigent Aid has been
borne wholly by the county. War Services and Assistance cases have
been financed entirely by federal funds, as has the Counseling Service
provided in the Child Welfare Services program.

The Public Welfare Department authorized the disbursement of
$6,6F2,200 to the needy aged, the needy blind, the needy children, the
indigents and War Services and Assistance cases during the period
from January 1, 1943, to December 31, 1943. The cost of administra-
tion was $455,800, or 6.4 per cent of total disbursements of $7,108,000.
Of the grand total, the total cost from City and County tax funds for
the year was $2,020,600 as compared with $3,027,000 for the preceding
year, or a decrease of $1,006,400. The balance of the total cost was
met from federal and state funds.

The following statement reflects the distribution of funds to the
various types of aid and shows the portion that was provided from
City and County funds:

(66)

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(67)

Old Age Assistance.

The bulk of the public assistance granted in San Francisco County
during the past year was through the Old Age Assistance program.
Over 78 per cent of all disbursements of the Department for the year
were for the benefit of the aged. While the number of persons receiv-
ing this type of assistance was less than in the previous year, the total
cost of the program increased because of changes in the Old Age As-
sistance law whereby the basic grant was increased from $40 to $50
per month as of July 1, 1943. The cost of care of the aged for the year
just ended was $5,565,200 as compared with $5,219,000 for the previous
year — an increase of $346,100 or 6.6 per cent. For the month of Novem-
ber, 1942, there were 11,546 cases aided on the Old Age Assistance pro-
gram, the average cost per case being $36.92. In November, 1943, there
were 11,236 cases aided, the average cost being $46.66 — an increase of
26.4 per cent in the average cost per case. The down trend in this
type of assistance which had prevailed since February, 1942, continued
through June, 1943. Starting with July, 1943, however, there has been
an increase each month in the number of persons receiving Old Age
Assistance. This results from the liberalization in the law and the
consequent greater number of persons eligible for this assistance. From
January to June, 1943, an average of 11,091 recipients per month re-
ceived assistance, whereas from July through December the number
of recipients per month averaged 11,136.

Increased employment opportunities had a greater effect upon this
program than has been revealed by the trend in number of cases. Of
the 2174 cases discontinued during the year, 631, or 29 per cent, were
discontinued because recipients secured jobs and became self-support-
ing or because relatives assumed the support of their aged dependents.

For the first six months of the year, during which period the basic
grant was $40 per month, the Federal Government contributed one-half
the cost of each case up to $40 per month and the state and county
shared equally the remaining portion. Although federal participation
was not increased when California elected to increase the basic grant
to $50, the state assumed five-sixths of the remaining cost and the
county one-sixth. As a result the cost of Old Age Assistance to San
Francisco County decreased from $1,324,100 in 1942 to $934,600 in 1943
— a reduction of $389,500, or 29 per cent less than was expended for
Old Age Assistance during 1942.

Aid to Needy Children.

On July 1, 1943, the Public Welfare Commission assumed the respon-
sibility for administering, in addition to half-orphan aid, all Aid to
Needy Children cases previously administered through the Dependency
Division of the Juvenile Court, exclusive of foster home placements.
From November, 1942, when aid was extended to 284 cases, represent-
ing 696 children the number of Aid to Needy Children recipients de-
clined and there were remaining on the rolls of the Department in June
only 226 cases, representing 565 children. With the acceptance of the
additional classifications of Needy Children's Aid on July 1, 1943, the
caseload was increased to 366 families, including 878 children.

Notwithstanding the enlarged scope of this program, the total amount
disbursed for Aid to Needy Children during the calendar year 1943,
including supplementary aid, was less than in the previous year. The
total amount disbursed during 1943 was $236,100 as compared with
$261,800 in 1942, or $25,700 less than was expended in 1942.

Aid to Needy Blind.

The number of blind persons receiving assistance through the Public
Welfare Department in November, 1943, was 445 as compared with
509 in November, 1942. The cost of care of the blind during the calen-
dar year 1943 was $268,500 as compared with $295,000 in the previous
year, or a decrease of $26,500.

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Indigent Aid.

The decline in this type of assistance during the past year was pro-
portionately greater than in any other single program. Increased em-
ployment opportunities enabled many persons who were formerly con-
sidered to be unemployable to obtain employment within their physical
and mental ability. Also, many persons who were physically unable
to hold a full-time job obtained part-time work. As of December 15,
1943, only 1135 cases remained on the rolls as compared with 2055
cases as of December 15, 1942 — a decrease of 45 per cent. With the
decreased caseloads more intensive casework has been possible and
emphasis in this program has been placed on rehabilitation of the
individual in order that he might become self-supporting. With the
cooperation of the United States Employment Service excellent results
were obtained. During the year indigent aid food grants were main-
tained at the current food cost level, by means of food pricing surveys
made at three-month intervals.

The cost of indigent aid for the year 1943 was $575,000 as compared
with $1,116,800 for the previous calendar year, a difference of $541,800
in the cost of general relief in San Francisco County.

War Services and Assistance.

Under the War Services and Assistance program two types of aid are
administered by the Public Welfare Commission. First, the Enemy
Alien program, which was designed to cover persons who because of
restrictive orders found it necessary to move from certain areas or
to discontinue their normal occupations and needed assistance for this
reason, and second, Civilian War Assistance, a program to provide
assistance to meet emergency need resulting from enemy attack or of
action to meet such attack or the danger thereof. Under the Enemy
Alien program the Department has been called upon to assist only six
such cases during the past year. Under the Civilian War Assistance
program 150 cases have been aided. These persons have included
evacuees from Hawaii, air raid wardens who were injured while on
official duty, dependents of internees in Japan, and others. The total
aid granted under the War Services and Assistance program during
the calendar year 1943 was $7,800, which amount was entirely reim-
bursable by the Federal Security Agency through the State Depart-
ment of Social Welfare. The cost of administration was $1,375, the
total amount of which likewise was borne by the Federal Government.

In connection with war related activities, the Director of Public
Welfare is Chief of Emergency Welfare Services of the Civilian War
Council and is Deputy Evacuation Officer. All employees of the Pub-
lic Welfare Department are subject to 24-hour call in the event of
any war emergency.

Child Welfare Services Program.

The Public Welfare Department has cooperated in the Child Welfare
Services program since July 26, 1943. At this time federal funds
were made available by the United States Children's Bureau through
the State Department of Social Welfare and two child care counselors
were appointed from the Public Welfare Department staff to give
assistance to children through counsel and advice to mothers who con-
templated taking employment. The purpose of this counseling service
has been to help the particular mother to determine whether or not
she should enter into industry and if so, to assist her in making plans
for the care of her children, and by furnishing information to her con-
cerning available resources for the type of care which would be desir-
able for her children in the light of their ages, their conditions of
health and other factors.

While the number of mothers requesting counseling service was not
sufficient to justify the continuance of more than one worker, and one
counselor was withdrawn in August, 1943, the results indicate that a

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substantial number of women have benefited through the counseling
service in the Child Welfare Services program.

Membership of Public Welfare Commission.

During the year 1943 I made two new appointments to the Public
Welfare Commission. Mr. Lloyd E. Wilson was appointed on January
15, 1943, and Mr. Lawrence R. Palacios I appointed to serve the un-
expired term of Mr. Edward D. Vandeleur who resigned as a member
of the Commission on May 18, 1943. And here I must pay tribute to
Mr. Vandeleur, my friend, San Francisco's friend. He gave generously
of his time and energy as a member of this Commission that the
burdens of the needy might be made more easy. We mourn his pass-
ing.

Mr. F. M. McAuliffe, Chairman, Mrs. Eugene M. Prince and Miss
Ruth A. Turner continued to serve as members of the Commission for
the past year.

The Public Welfare Commission has carried out its duties and re-
sponsibilities in a manner that reflects credit on the City and County
of San Francisco. I am confident that San Francisco's needy have been
adequately provided for during the past year and I am equally con-
fident that there has been no extravagant use of public funds entrusted
to this Commission.

SAN FRANCISCO-SAN MATEO LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION
BUILDINGS

At the present time this property of No. 1-A District Agricultural
Association is leased to the United States Army and is occupied and
being used by them.

The first show held by the association was such an outstanding suc-
cess that there is every reason to feel that subsequent livestock shows,
to be held there when conditions permit, will not only be equally suc-
cessful but more so and that they will prove a vital factor in main-
taining San Francisco as a livestock center of national importance.

Not only from a livestock standpoint but because of a multitude of
other activities that can and will be held in these buildings, they will
be an asset of considerable value to this community.

There will be further construction needed and it should be made part
of the post-war plan of the State and the City and County of San Fran-
cisco to make this one of the first projects for consideration.

MUNICIPAL COURT

For the period January 1, 1943-November 30, 1943, inclusive, twelve
courts handled 9227 civil actions, 5108 small claims and 299,151 crim-
inal proceedings.

Receipts in the Civil Department, $56,620; traffic fines, $474,058.73;
items other than traffic, $26,756.17; total, $557,434.90; expenditures,
$274,159.12; receipts in excess of expenditures, $283,275.78.

Official and pauper actions filed, for which no fees were collected,
238. Small Claims— City and County, 1538; others, 28; total, 1566.

PUBLIC DEFENDER.

Public Defender Gerald J. Kenny handled during the fiscal year end-
ing June 3, 1943, 741 cases in the Superior Court; cases certified from
Municipal Court, 224; received on information or grand jury indict-
ment, 460; pleas of guilty as charged, entered by defendants, 123; trials
by jury, 62; trials jury waived, 86; probation without jail sentence, 70;
probation with jail sentence, 26; probation denied, 104.

Felony cases held to answer, 473; certified to Superior Court, 215;
reduced to misdemeanor, 22; dismissed, 494; private counsel, 125;

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county jail sentence, 94; probation or turned over to probation office,
84; suspended sentences, 27; off calendar, 42; sent to Elridge, 3; trans-
ferred to Juvenile Court, 27; sent to Detention Hospital, 13; turned
over to Navy, 11; sent to Ukiah, 2; sent to Stockton, 2; sent to Napa,
1; transferred to Federal Court, 3; fugitives waived extradition, 22.
Total number of felony cases handled, 1660.

The Public Defender handled 43 misdemeanor cases; 111 cases in
Juvenile Court; participated in 5 insanity hearings; in 4 jury trials;
verdicts, sane, 4; Coroner's inquest, 4.

During the fiscal year 2717 appearances in the Municipal Courts
were made; in the Superior Court 2233; in all courts 4950. Consulta-
tions with defendants in County Jail and City Prison, 3480. Indigent
persons receiving advice in civil matters (not required by Charter),
2963.

In comparison to the previous year the cases assigned to the Public
Defender show an increase of 26 per cent in the Superior Courts and
41 per cent in the Municipal Courts.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

During 1943 this office participated in and conducted approximately
50,000 court hearings; issued 25,000 citations; conducted 23,000 citation
hearings; was represented at all sessions of the Grand Jury during the
year, both regular and special, and collected and turned into the City
Treasurer's office in bail money the total sum of $894,071.

Also, this office participated in all Coroner's inquests wherein sus-
picion of crime in connection with deaths was present, attended all
meetings of the Parole Board, all meetings of the Traffic Committee
on safety matters, met with groups of merchants and organizations
interested in the various phases of the Unfair Practices Act and pre-
pared and gave instructions and lectures on the same to such groups
for the purpose of averting law violations and court prosecutions.

The total cost of conducting the office for the year was $127,630. I
am informed that this is lower than that of any other District Attor-
ney's office of comparable size in the United States.

Of the cases handled by the office of the District Attorney in 1943, of
the 50,000 court hearings, approximately 2400 were felony cases that
reached the Superior Court, and approximately 46,600 were misde-
meanor cases disposed of in the Municipal Court; approximately 1000
were crimes involving children, disposed of in the Juvenile Court.

Of the total number of approximately 25,000 citations issued, 8200
were issued by the Bureau of Domestic Relations of this office, dealing
with failure to provide for minor children, indigent wives and aged
parents and similar domestic cases; 1100 were issued by the Fraud
Bureau of this office, dealing with crimes of frauds, swindles and viola-
tions of the Corporate Securities Act, misleading advertising and vari-
ous other rackets; 15,100 were issued by the Warrant and Bond Office
dealing with miscellaneous offenses, felony and misdemeanor alike, and
with violations of city ordinances; 600 were issued by the deputy in
charge of the Juvenile Court work, relating particularly to sex offenses
and juvenile delinquencies. Hearings on citations were approximately
as follows: Bureau of Domestic Relations, 7500; Fraud Bureau, 1000;
Warrant and Bond Office, 14,000; Juvenile Department, 500.

The Warrant and Bond Department, aside from the issuance of cita-
tions as above noted, prepared 90,000 complaints, and 32,000 warrants
were issued upon these complaints, and by telephone and personally
answered over 21,000 requests for advice and information.

The Food and Health Bureau of this office, which investigates and
prosecutes offenders under the Pure Food and Drug Act, the State
Agricultural Code and various city health ordinances, handled and dis-
posed of more than 175 cases during the year.

An innovation during the year 1943 was the establishment of the
Women's Clinical Court at the Health Center Building. The District

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Attorney had an assistant district attorney present and prosecuting at
each and every court session. The cases tried were principally mis-
demeanors involving prostitution and other crimes of a similar nature.
Out of 151 narcotic cases disposed of during the year, 138 were con-
victions. These figures pertain to proceedings in the Superior Court.

HOUSING AUTHORITY

To keep pace with the rapid and tremendous wartime expansion of
the Hunter's Point Naval Drydocks and its urgent need for housing
recruited inmigrant war workers, the Authority has rushed construc-
tion of seven large war housing developments in the Hunter's Point
vicinity during 1943 in addition to completing two permanent projects
in other sections of the city. Shortages of manpower, critical materials
and other delays have been overcome. Six of the projects were com-
pleted in 1943 and the seventh partially completed and scheduled for
full completion early in 1944.

The seven projects consist of 1500 dormitory units and 4000 family
dwellings covering 325 acres on which are located 521 buildings, plus
many auxiliary structures, including seven management and main-
tenance buildings, three cafeterias, four recreation buildings, an 18-bed
infirmary, six nursery school buildings, and a large commercial center.
By early 1944 housing accommodations of the Authority will shelter in
excess of 20,000 persons.

There is in addition an early impending assignment of 1000 addi-
tional dormitory units and 2000 more family dwellings to meet expand-
ing needs of the Navy for housing civilian war workers engaged in
naval ship repair.

All dormitory units are furnished and 13,707 rooms in family dwell-
ings are equipped with basic furniture such as stoves, beds, tables,
chairs, chests, etc.

San Francisco city departments have moved with equal swiftness in
meeting the education, recreation, health, nursery school, police and
fire needs of these new areas. The United States Department of Health
operates the infirmary, California Physicians' Service affords medical
care to all tenants, religious services are conducted by San Francisco
churches on the premises, other services are extended by American
Red Cross and various Community Chest agencies.

All activities of the Housing Authority at Hunter's Point are car-
ried on in the closest cooperation with the United States Navy and with
our principal, the Federal Public Housing Authority.

The Housing Authority has removed many substandard structures
at Hunter's Point and has developed the area to an extent which will
readily facilitate the later building by private enterprise of a middle
income residential district in close proximity to San Francisco's prob-
able largest peacetime industry.

The two permanent Authority-owned projects completed during the
year, Valencia Gardens and Westside Courts, bring the total of com-
pleted permanent projects to five. The construction of six additional
permanent developments will be forwarded as an early post-war under-
taking of the Authority.

A payment in lieu of taxes equivalent to full taxes will be paid to
the City and County of San Francisco by the Federal Government on
all temporary federally owned projects in an estimated amount of
$100,000 annually. The current operations of the five Authority-owned
projects indicate a surplus for the year beginning October, 1943, exclu-
sive of federal contributions which will permit, it is anticipated, the
payment in lieu of taxes to the city of an amount equal to full taxes, or
approximately $86,000. Income from properties owned by the Authority
for post-war construction in the North Beach and Chinatown develop-
ments will also allow full payment in lieu of taxes of about $17,500
annually. The total rate of payments in lieu of taxes on properties

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owned or managed by the Authority will be, according to present esti-
mates, in excess of $200,000 per year.

Holly Courts, the first housing development built in the West now
in operation three and one-half years, has never lost a penny in bad
debts; this gratifying record is reflected in the operations of other
permanent projects, none of which record bad debts above the low
figure of less than y2 of 1 per cent.

Annual temporary refinancing one-year loan notes will be issued in
February, 1944. The current interest rate of 77/100 of 1 per cent rep-
rents a decrease over the previous annual rate of 88/100 of 1 per cent
paid in 1942.

All operations of the Authority have been placed on a 48-hour week
to more effectively carry on its war housing program for the United
States Navy at Hunter's Point.

The following is a summary of facts concerning each of the projects:

Temporary Federally-Owned War Developments.

Number of Dwelling Actual

Name of Project Buildings Units Development Cost

In Operation:

Navy Point 7 500 $ 451,000

Middle Point 63 496 1,030,688

Harbor Slope 7 504 281,182

South Gate 7 496 275,777

Double Rock 69 552 717,920

Candlestick Cove 118 944 1,391,112

271 3492 $4,147,679

Partially Completed:

Ridge Point 250 2000 3,157,854

Permanent Authority-Oivned Developments.

Number of Dwelling Actual

Name of Project Buildings Units Development Cost

In Operation:

Holly Courts 10 118 $ 540,101

Potrero Terrace 38 469 1,897,680

Sunnydale 90 772 2,691,419

Valencia Gardens 22 246 1,207,244

Westside Courts 6 136 860,807

166 1741 $7,197,251

Construction Deferred: Estimated Cost

Bernal Dwellings 201 $1,041,000

De Haro Plaza 132 777,000

Hunter's View 150 680,000

North Beach Place 226 1,270,000

Ping Yuen (Chinatown) 232 1,517,000

Glen Crags 171 930,000

SAN FRANCISCO CIVILIAN WAR COUNCIL

The multitude of war-caused activities undertaken by the Civilian
War Council can be generally classified as direct and indirect. The
direct activities are those in which the Council establishes policy and
procedure it desires to be followed and regarding which it maintains
continuous direction through the Director of Civilian Defense. The
indirect activities are those having a bearing upon the war effort in
which the War Council has an interest and has indicated a willing-
ness to participate financially. These indirect activities are, for the
most part, under the control of organizations or persons not subject to
direction or control by the Director of Civilian Defense.

For purposes of administration, the direct activities are themselves

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subdivided into three main branches, namely, Civilian Protection,
otherwise known in this report as the Defense Corps; Civilian War
Services, otherwise identified in this report as the Service Corps; and
the activities of Public Information and Recruitment under which
we have placed, for administrative purposes, the Volunteer Office, the
War Information Center, the Personnel Officer, the Credentials Officer
and the Speakers Bureau. Each of these main subdivisions is under the
direction of an Assistant Director of Civilian Defense.

It should be noted here that the classification and subdivisions as
enumerated above have not been entirely established by ordinance.
Certain of these activities are the outgrowth of a recognized need as
war conditions changed and others have been organized or reorgan-
ized to simplify procedure or to improve administrative control. The
City Attorney has been requested to review the entire field covered by
the War Council's activities with the view of proposing, with your
approval, to the Board of Supervisors a new ordinance to encompass
more directly and simply the operations of the Council.

A review of the activities of the past two years clearly establishes,
I believe, the need for adequate administrative personnel to direct all
functions undertaken by the Council. Volunteers have given long and
unselfishly of their time and ability and if not overburdened will, I
feel sure, continue to do so. They cannot be expected, however, to
undertake with continuous enthusiasm for long periods of time in
the face of ever-changing conditions the necessary detail work required
of every project where city funds are involved.

In this regard we propose, with your approval, to shortly review the
personnel strength of each unit of the Defense Corps for the purpose
of reclassifying the manpower into "active" and "reserve" groups.

Such reclassification will serve two main purposes. It will estab-
lish the present active strength of each unit upon which we may de-
pend for action under any conditions and bring to light weaknesses
in organization not readily apparent from the normal personnel rec-
ords of the unit. It will also maintain within the ranks of the "re-
serve" that portion of the civilian population who have been properly
trained for action during "air raid conditions" but who have evinced
no desire to continue training or activities of a subordinate nature
within their unit.

Such a program will in time give to San Francisco an "active" force
of lesser proportions but immeasurably better trained due to continu-
ing activities and a "reserve" of civilians who are properly credentialed
to serve during "air raid periods" only, who have taken their basic
training, received their equipment and can function effectively under
the direction of the "active" personnel.

The maintenance of a high level of civilian enthusiasm is particu-
larly difficult in these days of apparent optimism on the part of high-
ranking military and governmental officials. To combat this all Chiefs
of Service in the Defense Corps have been requested to make special
efforts to have their training programs interesting to the civilian. Mov-
ing pictures, many from England, have been made available by our
Information Bureau, service certificates with bars issued by the na-
tional Office of Civilian Defense are now being distributed to volun-
teers as are new automobile and window stickers indicating volunteer
participation for more than one year. Likewise ready for immediate
distribution are certificates of membership in the Service Corps, a
group hitherto practically unrecognized since they cannot receive arm-
bands or protective equipment as do the members of the Defense Corps.

Implied lethargy on the part of volunteers in the Defense Corps is
not, I am happy to report, borne out by a critical examination of the
personnel records. As an example of this, the Air Raid Warden Service,
our largest single unit with an enrollment in excess of 27,000 persons,
actually showed a slight increase in each of the last three months.

Constant effort, however, will be necessary to maintain the high
standard of enrollment previously acquired. Several service units will

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require some reorganization to place a greater degree of administrative
responsibility and direction in the hands of the volunteers, without
which they will not long retain the enthusiasm necessary to effective
operation.

Barring some new problem, hitherto unconsidered, the fiscal expendi-
tures for the purpose of Civilian Defense have passed their peak. Esti-
mates based upon financial reports for the first five months of the fiscal
year lead me to believe that we should be able to report next June 30th
a return to the general fund of at least $200,000. Should our estimates
on the amount of state subvention to the city be correct this should be
augmented by not less than $150,000 additional, making the total re-
turn to the general fund something more than a third of a million
dollars.

This potential saving is possible due to several factors. A further
consolidation of administrative operation in the headquarters at 955
Potrero Avenue is presently contemplated. Many employments have
already been discontinued and more are under review as to their neces-
sity. The Control Center operation has been materially reduced in ex-
pense and considerable equipment for which funds have been appro-
priated cannot be purchased because of priority restrictions. Other
equipment items have been found to be unnecessary in the light of new
techniques or changes in the defensive plans of the city. Some addi-
tional items are being furnished by the OCD.

The Civic Center dormitories for service men will show a return of
some $40,000 in revenue by the end of June, 1944, and should receive
a direct subvention from the state in the neighborhood of $100,000.

The Defense Corps.

During the past two years the organizing, training and equipping of
the many units of the Defense Corps has been the paramount problem.
Utilizing volunteers almost entirely the many service units have been
drilled continuously in the problems of fire and war gas defense, con-
trol of pedestrians and traffic, police protection for lives and property,
high explosive and incendiary bomb control and specialized problems
such as evacuation, emergency medical treatment, war gas and bomb
reconnaissance, demolition and rescue procedures and many others.

Each month through the past year Master and Zone Control Centers
have been activated for reporting and dispatching tests and critiques,
many of them under the direction of military officers. By special code,
test "alerts" have been called at unusual hours of the day and night
to test the effectiveness of our system of response. On several occa-
sions the military have received our cooperation in special problems
regarding the defense of the Bay Area.

With the completion of the special installation of five Victory sirens
and the change of location of several of the electric sirens, particularly
to cover the increased population of the Hunter's Point area, the city
is now completely blanketed for the purpose of Air Raid warning.

Construction and improvements made necessary to round out our
Control Center plan are completed and ready for instant activation with
trained crews of both police and volunteer telephonists and dispatching
personnel. In all locations we are three deep in trained personnel.
Control tests continue monthly for all personnel.

In the field men and women Sector Air Raid Wardens for twenty-
four hour coverage every week have gone through communications
drills with the Zone Controls until their reporting procedure has been
brought to a high point. As an example of the excellence of this train-
ing, we are able to dispatch equipment in any part of the city in less
than two minutes from the time the Air Raid Warden starts his report
in the field. This has been established in test incident drills encom-
passing more than six hundred incidents in one hour.

In the protection of San Francisco as on the war fronts dispersion
of equipment and facilities has been accepted for all services. We have
therefore established throughout the city in schools, private and public

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buildings and other effective locations, equipment depots, casualty sta-
tions, degassing stations, rest centers, dispatch points, supply depots
for demolition and clearance crews, etc., for the purpose of protecting
the lives and property of the civilians. No part of the city has been
left without adequate coverage and irrespective of the part of the city
under attack forces are so dispersed that immediate dispatch could be
made to the area under attack.

Air Raid Warden Service.

The reservoir of man and woman power for Civilian Defense is found
in the Air Raid Warden Service with its more than 27,000 persons
trained as Wardens, Fire Guard squads, and Child Shelter Wardens.
Shortly a fourth unit will be placed under this service, that of Inci-
dent Officers. Of the 86,700 stirrup pumps available, the Wardens have
already distributed throughout the blocks of the city more than 45,000
and more are being distributed daily as Fire Guard squads are re-
cruited and trained. Five thousand additional stirrup pumps have
been distributed to members of the regular and auxiliary Police and
Fire services.

During the time the dimout was enforced the Warden Service gave
special training to several hundred of their personnel in traffic control
and nightly these men were placed at strategic locations to enforce the
military proclamations. More than $96,000 in fines was collected by
the city and the Warden Service was responsible for approximately 75
per cent of this collection.

Outstanding among their activities has been the education of the
public in home protection against war gas, always a potential threat in
San Francisco, as well as the recruitment of several thousand Fire
Guards, a new activity initiated several months ago to replace the
Fire Watchers.

The continuing weakness of this service, a lack of adequate personnel
in the downtown and warehouse areas, continues as insurmountable
and in these areas we are dependent upon a minimum of volunteers
augmented by members of the regular Police Department for reporting
purposes.

As long as the Warden Service can maintain an adequate personnel
for the purposes of population control, reporting of incidents and as-
sistance to other services San Francisco's first line of defense will be
effective. Their past record of unstinting willingness to serve the city's
need is entitled to the highest commendation.

Auxiliary Fire Service.

Our fire hazard is probably not to be exceeded by any other city in
the world. It is therefore a matter of first importance that our fire-
fighting facilities be at all times ample to cope with the maximum
potential danger. We have, therefore, ready for dispatch 569 auxiliary
pumper units of 500-gallon per minute pumping capacity. This is the
largest number of auxiliary units per capita of any metropolitan city
in the United States. Of these units 159 are self-motivated and 410 are
trailer units to be towed by other vehicles. Each self-motivated unit
has a towing connection as do many other city-owned trucks. More
than one hundred Yellow Cabs, at their expense, have been similarly
outfitted. Armbands, credentials and driving masks have been issued
to the Yellow Cab Company, and detailed plans worked out with the
Fire Department to make immediately available in any part of the city
as many cabs, with drivers, as may be necessary. The Fire Depart-
ment has also worked in close collaboration with the military on fire
protection plans for the waterfront. In this regard the Coast Guard
has been particularly cooperative making daily reports as to the loca-
tions of their equipment and available manpower and have agreed to
loan to us the services of two hundred and fifty men trained in fire
fighting to assist the city as may be necessary. A recent minimum
estimate of the static water supply immediately available for fire fight-

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ing purposes indicates that we have in storage tanks, reservoirs, etc.,
more than 2,894,000,000 gallons of water, roughly enough water to per-
mit all available auxiliary pumpers to be operated continuously for
seven days, twenty-four hours per day.

The most serious unsolved problem has been and is today the lack of
adequate volunteer manpower to activate this equipment in emer-
gencies. Although approximately 6000 men have received some fire
training since Pearl Harbor fewer than 1000 men are responding to
the weekly drills and the most recent report of the Fire Chief indicates
that only 1413 are now on the active rolls. Since six men, a captain,
a lieutenant and four hosemen, are required to properly activate a
unit our auxiliary force should not be less than 3414 men, without the
higher administrative echelons of command.

In order to make this service more attractive and build up its
strength the Fire Department has recently agreed to a reorganization
of the Auxiliary Service, placing more authority and responsibility
during non-action periods in the hands of volunteers. Recently, with
this reorganization in mind, the Fire Code was revised by ordinance
recognizing the volunteers as provisional members of the regular de-
partment and authorizing the issuance of badges for this purpose.

To assist the regular and auxiliary services in coping with an extreme
emergency some 10,000 Air Raid Wardens have also taken supplemen-
tary training in the operation of pumper units and the handling of
fire hose.

Competitive drills indicate that the volunteers who have taken con-
tinuous training are the best trained and most efficient volunteer force
to be found in any large city and fully capable of giving a splendid
account of themselves.

Auxiliary Police Service.

The Auxiliary Police Service has acted as the guinea pig for recent
studies in the merits of establishing "active" and "reserve" classifica-
tions. Their findings indicate that the majority of the volunteers de-
sire to remain on the active rolls and require only adequate activities
in the police field to keep them enrolled.

With this in mind the regular department is now expanding the field
of police service in which these volunteers may engage and is permit-
ting them to take limited tours of duty with prowl cars, traffic patrols
and special service fields operating out of police stations.

The personnel, numbering some 1881 active members at the present
time, are thoroughly trained and equipped for any contingency and
during the past year have been of invaluable assistance to the regular
department in dimout prosecution in cooperation with the Warden Ser-
vice, in traffic control in the downtown area and at the Beach and in
several speical service functions of the department.

As a detached unit of the Auxiliary Police Service, some sixty odd
volunteers have been recruited and trained by the Senior Gas Officer
as Gas Reconnaissance Agents. These men, principally chemists and
druggists, are fully equipped with protective clothing, gas masks and
gas detector kits. They are dispatched from any of the regular police
stations for the purpose of gas detection and identification and have
received special training at the Presidio under officers of the Chemical
Warfare Service of the U. S. Army.

Emergency Medical Service.

By far the most complicated service from an organizational point of
view is the Emergency Medical Service. For its most effective func-
tioning it requires the cooperation of all the facilities of the Depart-
ment of Public Health, physicans and surgeons, members of the County
Medical Society, the operating staffs personnel and equipment of the
twenty member hospitals of the Hospital Association, the recruited per-
sonnel and equipment of the Medical Aid Division of the Red Cross,
the Nurses' Council and the Visiting Nurses' Association. The normal

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facilities of all these groups have been augmented by additional volun-
teer personnel for the activation of sitting case cars, ambulances and
supply trucks to fulfill the large transportation needs of this service.
Substantial augmentation of medical equipment and supplies has been
made through purchase by the War Council and by loans to the city
by the Office of Civilian Defense.

Some five hundred physicians have been assigned to duty in hospitals,
casualty stations and as leaders of one hundred and nine medical field
teams for dispatch to the scene of incidents. First-aid squads trained
by the Red Cross, with a personnel of some five hundred members, are
available to assist in the field or in casualty stations as needed.

Available as casualty stations throughout the city are forty-nine loca-
tions established as follows: Twenty casualty stations located at hos-
pitals; five emergency hospitals; six additional casualty stations set
•up by the Department of Public Health; eighteen casualty stations
activated by the Red Cross. Each of these locations has adequate med-
ical equipment and supplies, most of which has been furnished by the
War Council or loaned by the Office of Civilian Defense. These loca-
tions are available for activation at any time by regular or volunteer
trained personnel, according to the location involved. Emergency op-
erating rooms have been blacked out adequately and procedures for the
handling of casualties have been a matter of continuous training, both
among the volunteers and the regularly employed personnel.

More than 2000 hospital workers are enrolled in the auxiliary group
of Civilian Defense for emergency medical work. Fifteen hundred beds
are immediately available in the emergency hospitals of San Francisco,
and 2000 cots have been distributed to key locations to augment this
need. In addition, the servicemen's dormitories of the city are imme-
diately available to handle in excess of 3000 more bed patients, and
plans have been prepared for the immediate activation and distribution
of necessary supplies and equipment to all dormitory locations.

The Disaster Relief Commission of the Red Cross has furnished their
eighteen casualty stations with some $12,000 worth of equipment and
has a credentialed personnel in the Defense Corps, including 92 phy-
sicians, 75 dentists, 317 nurses, 34 practical nurses, 180 women trained
in first aid, and 117 volunteer medical assistants.

In casualty stations the Department of Public Health has assigned
363 of their personnel — 23 physicians, 70 nurses and 270 volunteers.
Twenty-three nurses are assigned to assist the regular emergency hos-
pital personnel of 77 persons. The Social Service Division has a total
personnel available of 103 persons for the purpose of registering the
patients.

Aside from the expenditures made by the War Council and the equip-
ment and supplies loaned by the Office of Civilian Defense, private hos-
pitals of San Francisco have expended in the neighborhood of $50,000
of their own funds in preparation for emergency action.

Arrangements have also been made by the Chief of the Emergency
Medical Service to immediately supplement the existing supplies by
emergency purchase from nine wholesale drug and medical equipment
supply houses in the city. Detailed procedures have been established
for the opening of these warehouses to assist us.

For the purpose of transporting casualties from the scene of inci-
dents, the AWVS has made fifty station wagons available in which we
are presently establishing stretcher racks so that all equipment can
carry at least two injured persons. The White House has volunteered
nineteen of its delivery trucks and the United Parcel Delivery is now
equipping fifty of their vehicles with our stretcher racks for the same
purpose. The Red Cross Motor Corps has made six ambulances and six
station wagons available, augmenting the twelve city emergency am-
bulances. In excess of 200 volunteer ambulance drivers and forty-seven
inspectors of the Department of Public Health have been assigned as
drivers for emergency purposes.

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:

To make medical service immediately available to casualties who
have also suffered from war gas, eighteen degassing stations have been
established, largely in schools, and are fully equipped and staffed for
immediate action. Under the Medical Gas Officer some 641 dentists and
pharmacists have been trained in the special techniques for treating
war gas casualties and have been credentialed and assigned to cleans-
ing stations. Two thousand stretchers that can also serve as cots have
been constructed and have been placed in supply depots throughout the
city. War gas first-aid kits to be assigned to ambulances going into
the field have been supplied to all dispatch points, and with the recent
completion of our two property degassing stations all vehicles handling
casualties can be rapidly washed and cleansed for further use.

Twelve stations throughout the city have been established for home
nursing service, and medical equipment and supplies purchased by the
city for the personnel working out of these stations have been dis-
tributed.

All casualty stations and hospitals have established morgues for the
receiving of the dead. The Coroner's office has assigned 187 of its per-
sonnel for this work, and 67 hearses have been volunteered by private
individuals for this purpose. These hearses are also available to aug-
ment our ambulance equipment, if necessary.

In all cases the vehicles to be used by the Emergency Medical Service
have received their blackout driving masks and necessary credentials.
Helmets and gas masks have also been supplied in all cases where field
units are involved.

Posters to be placed throughout the city to warn the population of
procedures to be followed in the maintenance of safe water, food, and
milk supplies have been printed and are available for immediate dis-
tribution as may be required by the Director of the Department of
Public Health.

Through the facilities of the Disaster Relief Commission of the Red
Cross the casualty information service for the registration and emer-
gency recording of casualties, dead and lost persons, has been estab-
lished. The volunteer personnel of the Red Cross for this purpose has
been augmented by the employees of the Department of Public Welfare.
Both the emergency and continuing care of unhomed civilians has been
arranged for between the Red Cross and the Department of Public
Welfare.

Ten thousand extra blankets, 2000 cots, 2000 stretchers, 2000 mat-
tresses, as well as medical and surgical equipment and supplies in ex-
cess of $75,000 have been purchased for the purposes of the Emergency
Medical Service. This equipment has been carefully selected so that no
medical supplies likely to deteriorate have been purchased, and all
equipment and supplies are of standard specifications, and are usable
by city departments in the event that no emergency occurs in San
Francisco for the duration of the war.

Rescue Service.

The Rescue Service, by agreement, has been developed entirely by the
Red Cross and consists of nineteen excellently equipped heavy rescue
units. In addition equipment for seventy-two light rescue units is
available, although manpower is lacking to activate more than twenty-
five. Some experimentation has been made in the use of woman first-
aiders as light rescue squads, and to date fifteen such squads have been
trained. Reports from the Office of Civilian Defense Rescue Division
and recent information from Great Britain indicate that this service
may have to be augmented by equipment of a heavier caliber than that
previously envisaged. For this purpose the Department of Public
Works has marshalled the available equipment of private contractors
and builders of the city, including such items as traveling cranes, bull-
dozers, tractors, etc. The availability of this equipment is always

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doubtful, since it is in constant use throughout the Bay Area, but to
the degree it is available arrangements have been made for its use
with the personnel of the Department of Public Works to augment the
volunteer staffs of the owners of the equipment.

Utility Repair Service.

The Utility Repair Service encompasses the facilities, both public
and private, of all the utilties in San Francisco. Their key personnel
have been trained in dispatch procedure, both in the field and in
Control Centers. Since most of their work will be done subsequent to
enemy action, only those persons required to activate the basic units
have been credentialed. They are unquestionably in a position to afford
effective service to the city at any time and have supplemented our
equipment with all their facilities, valued at many millions of dollars.

Demolition and Clearance — Road Repair.

These two units of the Defense Corps are activated under the Depart-
ment of Public Works, utilizing the regular personnel of the Depart-
ment. Twenty-two depots, distributed throughout the city, have been
established, each with a large quantity of small tools purchased by the
War Council for this purpose. Voluntary manpower to supplement the
regular department personnel has been difficult to recruit. Here again
reliance is principally placed upon the regular city personnel.

Decontamination Squads.

At a cost of approximately $27,000 two main depots for the operation
of the property decontamination service have been established, also
organized under the Department of Public Works. One of these has a
large concrete floor for the washing of equipment contaminated by war
gas, and both stations have facilities, consisting of lockers, washing
rooms, and undressing rooms, for the personnel. Some 200 more of
the Department of Public Works personnel have been given intensive
training in this work and have been completely equipped, with the
exception of rubber boots, by the War Council. In addition, shovels,
brooms, brushes, rakes, sprays, etc., for the decontamination of prop-
erty have been purchased and are available. Heavy equipment of the
Department, including five new high-pressure street flushers, sewer
eductors, dump trucks, and two truck-mounted tree sprays have been
allocated for this work.

In no other city in the United States has the problem of combatting
war gas been as completely effective as in San Francisco, and with the
exception of impermeable clothing and rubber boots every item of
equipment needed for the effective operation of personnel in this re-
gard has been purchased.

Bomb Reconnaissance Agents.

The necessary examination and investigation of reports regarding
unexploded bombs has been entirely charted, and this operation is car-
ried on by 125 members of the regular Police Department, augmented
by fourteen employees of the railroads and the Harbor Commission. All
of this personnel have taken very complete training under the Army
Bomb Disposal Unit of the Western Defense Command. A cemetery
for the disposal of unexploded bombs has been selected, and complete
unification with the program of the Army Bomb Disposal Unit has been
perfected.

Transportation.

In order to provide adequate transportation facilities for all con-
ceivable purposes and for the rapid mobilization of these units during
periods of emergency, the Transportation Service has been organized.

This service maintains a coordinated system for the dispatch of

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equipment and personnel and at last report had available for use 2000
vehicles in the following classifications:

300 oil trucks 165 stake trucks — up to iy2 ton

10 water trucks 250 two-ton stake trucks

300 taxicabs 95 three-ton stake trucks

38 Municipal Railway buses 75 canopy express trucks

99 Market Street Railway buses 14 vans
183 light panel delivery trucks 9 semi-trailers

200 half-ton panels 20 three-ton low bed trucks

115 one-ton panels 85 motorcycles

43 quarter-ton trucks

In addition, the Transportation Service has assisted in the recruit-
ment of light weight vehicles for use as ambulances and sitting case
cars for the Emergency Medical Service, and for the recruitment of spe-
cialized trucking equipment for the Demolition and Road Repair crews.
With the approval of the Commanding General of the Northern Cali-
fornia Sector, Western Defense Command, the Transportation Service
'has established convoy officers and convoy procedures in the event of
need for large evacuations, and has processed its programs with the
Office of Defense Transportation.

Evacuation Service.

Complete evacuation plans, approved by the Western Defense Com-
mand, have been drafted and personnel has been trained in the pro-
cedures required under the plan. During the past year, specialized
training has been given to this personnel, including a test water evacua-
tion in which more than 2000 persons were evacuated from the area at
Yacht Harbor to a point below Mile Rock. This test evacuation was the
first of its kind to be held in the United States and was carried out to
the complete satisfaction of the Coast Guard.

Preparation has been explored thoroughly and locations established
for the opening of rest centers, assembly centers, use of necessary trans-
portation facilities, registration procedure, and panic control. In ac-
cordance with the request of the military, maps and charts developing
these plans have been completed and are in all required locations. In
addition, 240,000 copies of informational data has been issued through
the Air Raid Warden Service to all homes in San Francisco.

Communication and Messenger Service.

San Francisco's emergency operation is predicated upon rapid com-
munication by means of telephone; however, in order that we may be
secure under all contingencies, alternate methods of communication
have been established. Messenger service, composed of motorcycle,
bicycle and foot messengers has been organized with more than 2000
boys between the ages of 14 and 18 assigned to duty in the foot mes-
senger and bicycle messenger bracket. A special subdivision of motor-
cycle messengers has been recruited and trained, using motorcycles
transferred to the War Council by the Police Department, and aug-
mented by sixty volunteer motorcyclists using their own machines.
All these men have been trained in special dispatch procedure and
equipped. In addition, 109 motorcyclists have indicated their willing-
ness to serve during emergencies. The Auxiliary Police Service has an
additional motorcycle unit of thirty-odd members for necessary aug-
mentation during emergencies.

In addition to the telephone and messenger service, a supplementary
unit of mobile radio transmitter-receiver units has been established
with the approval of and licensing by the Federal Communications
Commission. Forty-seven licensed operators are now available and
trained for this activity. Thirty-one of these units were purchased by
the city and these are supplemented by eight transmitter receivers

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made available by volunteer personnel. A complete radio network to
cover the city under emergency conditions as needed has been set up
and lias been tried out under all circumstances in continuous drills of
the Defense Corps. Our call station is known as KGCW.

As an additional safety factor between Zone Controls and Master
Control we have established a carrier pigeon service, which is probably
the first of its kind to be activated by Civilian Defense. The finest
racing pigeon stock in the West has been utilized. Fifteen pairs of
pedigreed birds, donated by owners, were originally obtained and to
date fifty-four birds have been trained for this work. One loft has been
installed, and two additional lofts are now under consideration for con-
struction. We are advised that our program can be expanded to cover
the entire Bay Area with a speed of communication second only to the
telephone network.

Petroleum Supply.
Recognizing the importance of adequate supplies of gasoline and oil
for the rolling stock required to activate the field units of the Defense
Corps, the Petroleum Supply Officer was appointed. Through this officer
information has been made available by all companies in the Bay Area
as to the source and manner of distribution of petroleum products, the
location, storage capacity, hours of operation of all service stations, a
complete list of all delivery equipment, its capacity, and the names
and addresses of all persons operating the same. Stations throughout
the city have been designated as supply depots, and the personnel neces-
sary to activate this plan have been credentialed and trained. Key sta-
tions have cooperated by keeping at all times a maximum amount of
these products on hand, and plans for their immediate utilization to
the extent required have been developed.

Plant and Building Protection.

In the direct protection of buildings and plants, continuous training
has been maintained for personnel of these facilities who are creden-
tialed in the Auxiliary Group, permitting them to travel during air
raid conditions to their assigned locations. Special assistance in the
fields of fire protection and emergency medical protection have been
made available through the War Council's agencies. More than 9000
persons have been trained for this purpose to date. Contact has been
established with over 400 firms in San Francisco and of this number
373 have already established some form of interior organization for the
protection of plants. Procedures through which they may call for as-
sistance have been correlated with our Control Centers, and at the
request of the Federal Government we are now embarking upon a
thorough inspection of all plants having a direct bearing upon the war
effort. Special advice has been given to the most important plants
regarding sabotage and similar specialized problems.

Air Raid Shelters.

More than 250 buildings have been examined as to their availability
and protection qualities for the purpose of air raid shelters. Of this
number 192 have been officially designated, after a thorough inspection,
as air raid shelters. In the recent past, curb level signs have been in-
stalled in front of these buildings and through the air raid shelter
managers unit, key personnel in these buildings are being trained con-
tinuously in the necessary techniques of panic control, property pro-
tection, and fire protection. All stations were manned upon the occa-
sion of all red alerts during the past year.

Volunteer Office.
As previously indicated in this report, the Volunteer Office encom-
passes not oniy the master files and records of all Civilian Defense
volunteers, but also operates the War Information Center. 163,100 reg-

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istration cards are in our files with areaized "in service" cards, indi
eating some service in the war effort on the part of 102,000 citizens.
The War Information Center, which has been in operation only since
last August, for the purpose of advising persons on all questions in
connection with the war effort, to date has served 1339 queries and
is continuing as an important service to the city.

The Personnel Officer is charged with the certification of all claims
for hospitalization or compensation of .volunteers injured as a result
of their duties in the Defense Corps or the Service Corps. Through
the Federal Government compensation and hospitalization are available
in most instances. The State Government has also made available
compensation and hospitalization in a broader field. The city itself has
set up a fund of $5,000 to supplement these two agencies.

Training Plans Officer.

Continuous programs for specialized training in the many fields of
Civilian Defense have been perfected by the Training Plans Officer.
Special attention should be called to the series of seven booklets on
the basic training for all Civilian Defense volunteers which were drafted
completely under the direction of this unit, and which have become a
criterion to be followed by many other cities in the United States. San
Francisco was the first city to establish a logical and effective training
manual on the subject of panic control. This manual has received
broad endorsement throughout the country and has been accepted by
the national Office of Civilian Defense. Substantial assistance has
been given by both the instructors unit of the AWVS and by a specially
selected and trained group of teachers of the public schools.

Public Information and Speakers Bureau.

The matter of public information has been developed under this unit
for continuous dissemination in thirty-nine publicity channels within
the city. Continuous informaton is forwarded from this service to the
metropolitan papers and to the district newspapers from week to week,
and has blanketed the field of magazines and periodicals issued by
local agencies. Commendation in the organ of the national Office of
Civilian Defense has been received many times during the past year.
This unit has received excellent cooperation from the local radio sta-
tions and the Victory Advertising Committee of the San Francisco Ad-
vertising Club. These agencies have been particularly helpful in spot
drives of the salvage program and in perfecting campaign procedures
for the War Housing Campaign which has gone on for the past several
months.

The Speakers Bureau has a roster of 136 speakers and up to Novem-
ber 1, 1943, had addressed 113 large meetings and 150 meetings on
training programs for the Defense Corps.

The Public Information Service has acted as a liaison with the OCD,
the State War Council, the War Production Board, and the West-
ern Defense Command. In addition, through the purchase of 16-milli-
meter motion picture projector and sound equipment, it has been able
to show 109 films for training purposes of the Defense Corps.

Under the direction of this unit fifteen expert amateur photographers
have been credentialed and have assisted in the compilation of a photo-
graphic record of many of the important activities of the War Council.

Four hundred and five news releases have been prepared by the Pub-
lic Information Service to date, with assistance to service units in the
Defense Corps in the preparation of releases in 365 additional cases.

Summary.

In summarizing the activities of the Defense Corps for the protection
of San Francisco, may I call to your attention the excellent relation-
ship which has been developed and maintained between the War Coun-
cil and the Red Cross, the private utilities of San Francisco, the Board

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of Education, and the Army and Navy command personnel of this area.
Without their constant assistance it would have been impossible for
San Francisco to have perfected the excellent program for protection
which is available today. All of these agencies have given us the bene-
fit of expert assistance by their specialists whenever they have been
called upon to a degree probably hitherto unknown and without fan-
fare or publicity on their behalf at any time. I would recommend the
utmost commendation for the unselfish and patriotic participation they
have always offered.

War Services.
The Service Corps, which encompasses the entire field of war ser-
vices, has not had the detailed examination and perfection in operation
to the same degree found in the Defense Corps. However, several units
of this Corps have established an outstanding record for San Francisco.
Present indications in this field portend a greatly increased activity'
for the future. Thorough exploration appears imminent for the pur-
pose of giving factuality and emphasis to many presently incipient
plans. The increased population and intensification of war industry
with all the supplemental problems points to the need for specific atten-
tion to this Corps.

Service for Service Men.

The entire field of service for servicemen is one of which San Fran-
cisco may justly be proud. Outstanding functions are Hospitality
House, which has given daily entertainment from noon until midnight
to more than 1,000,000 servicemen since its opening. Nightly dances
with semi-monthly balls in the Civic Auditorium or Veterans' Building
have been heavily attended by members of the armed forces. Some 400
clubs, organizations, and groups have sponsored evenings, donating in
excess of $100,000 in food, refreshments, smoking materials, etc., as a
part of their sponsorship. Five thousand sponsored hostesses have
assisted in the entertainment of the personnel of the armed forces
whenever called upon. Since the establishment of the Civic Center
dormitories, Hospitality House has been utilized for free breakfasts for
servicemen served every Sunday morning by the Red Cross. Hospital-
ity House has been under the direction of the War Council since July
1, with a budgeted appropriation of $31,568.

The Civic Center dormitories, with a present capacity of 1592 beds
constructed and operated by the War Council at a cost of approximately
$240,000, is probably the most unique operation of its kind in the coun-
try. Here at the nominal cost of 50 cents per night servicemen have
available facilities second only to an established hotel. Clean sheets,
pillow cases, and towels are furnished with adequate heat, hot water,
shower and bathing facilities immediately available. These dormi-
tories, with one unit in Hamilton Square, are augmented by the fol-
lowing facilities, all of which have received financial assistance directly
or indirectly from the War Council:

Harbor Club for Servicemen, with a capacity of 350 beds;
St. Vincent de Paul, with a capacity of 250 beds;
Ferry Building, with a capacity of 172 beds;

American Legion-Pepsi-Cola Center, with a capacity of 400 beds;
Laguna Honda Home, with a capacity of 155 beds;
making a total of 2919 beds now available in San Francisco for service
personnel.

The Stage Door Canteen has received from the War Council for this
fiscal year the amount of $7,800 and the Recreation Department has
received an appropriation of $2,150 for the purpose of conducting
dances for servicemen at the Century Club twice a week.

In addition the Recreation Commission has established a photography
center for the use of servicemen and has requested the War Council
to assist in this project.

(84 )

The Servicemen's Art Center, where musical instruments, art mate-
rials for painting and sketching, etc., are available to servicemen, also
has a present request for assistance in their excellent work which has
been carried on so far on a completely volunteer basis.

Funds have been appropriated to the War Council for the purpose
of establishing a lounge for wives and relatives of servicemen at the
War Housing Center at 50 Post Street. Upon receipt of required equip-
ment, this lounge will augment the existing facilities and will be oper-
ated by the AWVS.

Both the Red Cross Canteen Service and the AWVS have established
lounges and canteen service in many locations, figures indicating that
the Red Cross alone is feeding more than 9000 persons per month.
Mobile units of the AWVS have been feeding large numbers of men at
isolated posts throughout the past year.

Ordinances are presently being prepared to establish a trust fund for
the Navy Mothers Club of San Francisco for the purpose of subvention
from the State and the Servicemen's Overnight Housing Fund in the
operating of a dormitory for convalescent naval personnel. This group
also gave untiring assistance to the War Council in the early summer
of the past year when a temporary dormitory for servicemen was estab-
lished in the gymnasium of the High School of Commerce.

Through a gift from the Salvage Committee, the Soroptimist Club
has been assisted in its operation of a club for enlisted men's wives.

While all the above are activities in which the War Council has par-
ticipated directly, many more activities of a similar nature have been
undertaken by public-spirited groups and organizations within the city.
It is estimated that entertainment facilities are available daily for more
than 10,000 servicemen.

Rationing.

Although rationing is normally a unit of the Service Corps with
recognition being given to volunteer workers on Rationing Boards,
actually the War Council's activity in this regard has been confined
to the financial allocation of $24,090 for this fiscal year. The greater
proportion of this money was for the establishment of the fourteen
rationing board headquarters throughout the city and for their main-
tenance. More than 400 volunteers are giving continuous service on
these boards. This number was augmented by many thousand addi-
tional workers during the times that rationing books were issued during
the past year. Particular commendation should be directed to the
teachers of the Board of Education who were recruited for the most
part for this very difficult task. Direction of the rationing program
is by the OPA with assistance being given during the past year by a
Rationing Coordinator, an employment established under the War
Council.

Salvage.

The Salvage for Victory Committee, including representatives from
all fields of endeavor in San Francisco, has been collecting effectively
throughout the past year tin, fats and greases, bones, waste paper and
old clothes. This committee has continually stimulated the salvage of
essential materials at the request of the Salvage Division of the War
Production Board, and has had the assistance of many organizations,
including units of the Defense Corps. Approximately 800,000 pounds of
fats and greases, 20,000 pounds of silk and nylon hosiery; and many
thousands tons of tin and scrap metal have been collected to date.
Present emphasis is being placed upon the salvage of clothing, most of
which will be shipped overseas. A quota of 70,000 pounds has been
allocated to San Francisco. The Salvage Committee and the Public
Information Service are also emphasizing the critical need of waste
paper, collection of which is continuing.

As of last July 1 this operation was brought directly under the War
Council with an appropriation of $5,420 for its operation for the fiscal

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year, supplementing funds amounting to $3,486 originally deposited
in trust from previous salvage collections.

Welfare, Youth, Child Care, Education, Recreation, and
Block Activities.

In collaboration with the Board of Education and the Recreation
Department of the city, various subcommittees of this unit have estab-
lished plans and programs for the operation of day care centers for
children. Nursery school facilities and recreation facilities of all kinds
have been urged upon the city departments charged with the respon-
sibility for operation and direction. Investigations of similar planning
in other cities have been studied intensively, and as an outgrowth of
the studies made by the subcommittees of this unit during the year,
a Conference on Youth in Wartime was held under direction of the
War Council.

The findings of the various subsections of this conference are being
studied presently by the committees, and it is anticipated that many
concrete recommendations will be forthcoming early in 1944.

This unit has also interested itself in the Child Shelter Warden pro-
gram of the Air Raid Warden Service for the emergency care of chil-
dren during air raid conditions; in the problems of institution and
foster home care; in the problems of identification, registration and
information regarding children in the event of enemy attack on San
Francisco and has assisted the Parent-Teacher Association in com-
pleting its system of registering and tagging of children under eighteen
years of age. This procedure has been operated continuously by the
Parent-Teacher Association during the past year.

A special subcommittee has studied the problem of evacuation of
children in conjunction with the Evacuation Service of the Defense
Corps, and together they have completed programs acceptable to the
military.

This unit has urged upon the War Council the establishment of city-
wide block clubs, a matter still pending before the Council. More than
300 volunteer block clubs have been organized, and a majority are still
functioning.

The problems involved in the day care of children of working mothers
have received substantial attention, and this unit has urged the expan-
sion of summer camps and child care centers to minimize these prob-
lems.

War Housing Center.

The San Francisco War Housing Center is a joint operation of the
War Council and the National Housing Agency. The Center is charged
with the promotion of conversions of private and public property, the
listing of rentals of property available only to war workers, and with
the effort to promote out-migration of non-essential residents of San
Francisco. During the past year the Center has received requests for
housing from 39,079 military persons and 21,996 civilian war workers.
The Center has listed 6431 family units; 11,543 rooms; and 878 "Share
Your Home" locations. They have rented 5416 family units; 8473
rooms, and 679 "Share Your Home" units. The figures above do not
include 717 government priority built dwellings completed in San Fran-
cisco during the year.

The Center has developed the local approach to the national campaign
on housing with newspaper advertising, billboards, and other campaign
material, and has taken a progressive interest in one of San Fran-
cisco's most important pressing problems — that of sufficient housing
for persons desirous of working in San Francisco.

The Council provided an appropriation of $9,900 for rental, office
equipment and expenses, and an additional appropriation of $3,000 for
the "Share Your Home" campaign initiated last October and continu-
ing at the moment.

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Nutrition.

The San Francisco Nutrition Council has continuously emphasized
a program of education of the civilian population in the problems of
their field. Particular emphasis during the year has been laid upon
well-baby clinics, adequate lunches for school children and war workers,
and proper nutrition standards for day care centers. Home canning
and preservation programs have also been emphasized during the past
year with publicity posters and other material being distributed. Ad-
ditional education through agencies of the Red Cross, AWVS, Parent-
Teacher Association, women's clubs and churches is estimated to have
reached 10,000 women during the year. Volunteer workers have been
recruited to emphasize the programs of this service in some 400 organ-
izations throughout the city. Special investigations of nutritional needs
in local industry have been made, with distribution of many thousands
of folders on many specific subjects. One thousand copies of a new
Walt Disney food poster series have been distributed throughout the
city.

Assistance has been given to civilians who desire to utilize the 300
pressure cookers now available in San Francisco for canning purposes.

The Nutrition Council has also supplied nutritional information to
152 block club chairmen and has participated in demonstrations at
cooking schools on several occasions. It is estimated that some 2000
women have attended these schools.

They have received an appropriation of $9,220 for this fiscal year.

Consumer Interest.

Although a Consumer Interest Committee was activated prior to the
period of this report, during the past year few accomplishments have
been possible, since a reorganization of this work was requested by the
committee and has not yet been determined by the War Council.

However, several hundred volunteer women were recruited to assist
the rationing boards in the rationing educational campaigns and three
hundred volunteers were recruited by the Volunteer Office to act as
information aides in the seventy-seven schools of the city during the
registration week for War Ration Book No. 2. A point rationing
pamphlet was prepared by the War Council, and 310,000 copies were
distributed in the city through the assistance of the Boy Scouts.

Victory Gardens.

The Victory Garden Advisory Council during the past year so stimu-
lated the growth of victory gardens that it is estimated some 60,000
gardens were cultivated. With the assistance of the local newspapers
and radio stations, an educational campaign was carried on, instruct-
ing the amateur gardeners in the opportunities of this area. Three
hundred classes in victory gardening and poultry raising were con-
ducted in various parts of the city. Some 20,000 persons have been
informed of the need of victory gardens through the Speakers Bureau
and other publicity means. Ten thousand school children were en-
couraged to participate in this activity, and a series of twelve ground
demonstrations under the direction of the University of California
were sponsored.

Since early summer the Council has encouraged the operation of the
Farmers Free Market, which this group estimates has been responsible
for the salvaging of some 9000 tons of produce that otherwise would
not have reached a consumers' market.

The Victory Garden Advisory Council received an appropriation in
the budget for the fiscal year of $4,320.

Wartime Harvest Council.
In order to recruit civilians of San Francisco to assist the rural com-
munities in the harvesting of 1943 crops, the Council appropriated
$2,700 to publicize and encourage this activity.

( 87 )

Studies were made by this unit of the complex problems of housing
the volunteer harvest workers, transportation, gasoline rationing, and
the establishment of harvest labor camps which would be sufficiently-
comfortable to encourage city workers to participate in crop harvesting.

As the need developed for augmentation of harvest workers in areas
in the vicinity of San Francisco, publicity campaigns were formulated
in collaboration with other organizations having similar interests. Some
1460 San Franciscans were recruited during the season for work in
harvest camps within 150 miles of San Francisco. Some 2000 addi-
tional applications were received at the Farm Labor Office, and al-
though many of them were not utilized, due to the influx of a greater
number of migrant workers than had been anticipated, the indication
of desire to assist established a much more favorable feeling of co-
operation between San Francisco and the rural communities adjacent.
In the field of public relations, this has undoubtedly been of substan-
tial benefit to the city.

(88 )

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